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Patriots Running Game In 2012 (1 Viewer)

Gandalf

Gandalf

Footballguy
Hi all:

As an owner of both Ridley and Vereen in a dynasty league, I've been wrestling with keeping these players rostered all season. Now the Pats running game is obviously a full blown RBBC for the rest of this year and possibly beyond. Or is it? The stake are high because if one of these guys could emerge then we would all have a steal for next season. With BJGE currently signed to a one-year deal and with Faulk being 36 next season, they might not be around or effective. Of course there is Woodhead too in the mix. My current bet is that BJGE sign elsewhere clearing the way for Ridley. He seems to have the most opportunity longer term, if BJGE were to leave. That said Vereen hasn't had an opportunity and he might be the most talented RB on the team. So my strategy is to keep both these guys rostered if possible going into next season assuming they can be kept at a low cost. My guess is that in most leagues it would be the opportunity cost of occupying two roster spots. That would mean a choice between them and guys like Taiwan Jones, Tashard Choice, Phillip Tanner, etc.

So I guess I'm putting my nickel down on keeping Ridley (owned in 26% of sportsline leagues) and Vereen (owned in 1%). I'm not looking for advice on how to manage my team but want to start a discussion for the forum about the Pats running game overall and with an eye toward next season given that it's likely to stay a RBBC for the remainder of this season. With such low ownership there might be opportunity here for owners who are out of it and have roster room.

What are your thoughts on the Pats running game? Time to pull out those crystal balls...

 
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The Patriots backfield is as murky as ever. In situations like this, I go with the talent and the value. To me, both of those things point to Vereen. Most have completely forgot about him, but he is the most talented guy in the RB group to me. He may never amount to much, but the price is worth the potential payoff IMO.

 
I just cut Ridley Yesterday (for M. Bush) and I don't think that I'll regret it; first in my league guy aren't usually picked up until they blow up, so I could probably reacquire him, secondly, the NE run game is never so explosive that you couldn't plausibly find a RB with about equal output on a team without so much volatility in the RB performances. I am personally happy that I have divested myself of NE players and would only feel comfortable with Brady, Welker (who can put up devastatingly low numbers in the FF playoff weeks), and Gronkowski (I do own Gronk). I did read on one of the waiver/acquire reports on this website to reach out for Ridley, as they felt in the FF playoff push he will get some playing time as NE rest BJGE but with Faulk in the mix (and others) I just don't see a clear path to fantasy points this season or next, for that matter. I felt someone like M. Bush offered me a player who is going to be a free agent and has the opportunity to put some points on the board from week to week. Now I don't know how deep your league is, or how many roster spots you have, but my ability was seriously strained carrying Ridley when he was my RB#2 this week because of byes. If I can't even roster some one as a flex/bye player I have to really wonder about his value. I know in a dynasty league, in which I play, you have to cull talent but I see safer and more useful paths to the same outcome.

 
The RBs of NE just aren't talented and I don't see them drafting one in the 1st round. I would lean with Ridley as he has already proven himself. I think Faulk will actually do the best next year and BGE leaving.

 
Why would you own any RB from the Patriots. They consistently use a 3 man RBBC and upside is limited with opportunity. Sell all Pats RBs and you will breathe easier.

 
Before the season Lammey and Bloom discussed how it was important to have a piece of this backfield. The rushing totals last year were pretty good. Unfortunately, as injuries set in, I find I just don't have room to play roulette with BJGE and Ridley. Woodhead could even show up as the primary ball carrier randomly. To me it doesn't make sense. I'd rather be stocking up on #2s that become #1s in the case of injury (Kendall Hunter, Dion Lewis etc)...

 
'pittstownkiller said:
I just cut Ridley Yesterday (for M. Bush) and I don't think that I'll regret it; first in my league guy aren't usually picked up until they blow up, so I could probably reacquire him, secondly, the NE run game is never so explosive that you couldn't plausibly find a RB with about equal output on a team without so much volatility in the RB performances. I am personally happy that I have divested myself of NE players and would only feel comfortable with Brady, Welker (who can put up devastatingly low numbers in the FF playoff weeks), and Gronkowski (I do own Gronk). I did read on one of the waiver/acquire reports on this website to reach out for Ridley, as they felt in the FF playoff push he will get some playing time as NE rest BJGE but with Faulk in the mix (and others) I just don't see a clear path to fantasy points this season or next, for that matter. I felt someone like M. Bush offered me a player who is going to be a free agent and has the opportunity to put some points on the board from week to week. Now I don't know how deep your league is, or how many roster spots you have, but my ability was seriously strained carrying Ridley when he was my RB#2 this week because of byes. If I can't even roster some one as a flex/bye player I have to really wonder about his value. I know in a dynasty league, in which I play, you have to cull talent but I see safer and more useful paths to the same outcome.
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How is M-Bush on waiver wire in a dynasty league or any league ?
 
The starter for 2012-given belichecs penchant for vets, is most likely not on the roster. Perhaps a guy like grant gets cut

 
I dont expect the committee to ever go away, but I expect Woodhead to be the recipient of the majority of touches over the next couple years.

 
'Run It Up said:
I dont expect the committee to ever go away, but I expect Woodhead to be the recipient of the majority of touches over the next couple years.
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Interesting. Hasn't Woodhead been the recipient of the LEAST amount of touches so far this season, outside of Vereen/injured Faulk? He's been worthless in any format, I'm not sure why you'd think that would change as the young, talented back in NE get more seasoned.
 
'ConnSKINS26 said:
'Run It Up said:
I dont expect the committee to ever go away, but I expect Woodhead to be the recipient of the majority of touches over the next couple years.
Click to expand...
Interesting. Hasn't Woodhead been the recipient of the LEAST amount of touches so far this season, outside of Vereen/injured Faulk? He's been worthless in any format, I'm not sure why you'd think that would change as the young, talented back in NE get more seasoned.
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Yeah I don't really see Woodhead as being more than a passing down option. He's incredibly small, Sproles-esque, not really built to handle every down duties. If I had to guess, after this year BJGE and Faulk will be gone and Vereen/Ridley/Woodhead would be in the standard rotation. I also wouldn't be surprised if a veteran acquisition was made in the offseason.
 
'Dez said:
'pittstownkiller said:
I just cut Ridley Yesterday (for M. Bush) and I don't think that I'll regret it; first in my league guy aren't usually picked up until they blow up, so I could probably reacquire him, secondly, the NE run game is never so explosive that you couldn't plausibly find a RB with about equal output on a team without so much volatility in the RB performances. I am personally happy that I have divested myself of NE players and would only feel comfortable with Brady, Welker (who can put up devastatingly low numbers in the FF playoff weeks), and Gronkowski (I do own Gronk). I did read on one of the waiver/acquire reports on this website to reach out for Ridley, as they felt in the FF playoff push he will get some playing time as NE rest BJGE but with Faulk in the mix (and others) I just don't see a clear path to fantasy points this season or next, for that matter. I felt someone like M. Bush offered me a player who is going to be a free agent and has the opportunity to put some points on the board from week to week. Now I don't know how deep your league is, or how many roster spots you have, but my ability was seriously strained carrying Ridley when he was my RB#2 this week because of byes. If I can't even roster some one as a flex/bye player I have to really wonder about his value. I know in a dynasty league, in which I play, you have to cull talent but I see safer and more useful paths to the same outcome.
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How is M-Bush on waiver wire in a dynasty league or any league ?
Click to expand...
Only 40 RB's rostered, he didn't make the cut.
 
'Anonymous Internet User said:
'ConnSKINS26 said:
'Run It Up said:
I dont expect the committee to ever go away, but I expect Woodhead to be the recipient of the majority of touches over the next couple years.
Click to expand...
Interesting. Hasn't Woodhead been the recipient of the LEAST amount of touches so far this season, outside of Vereen/injured Faulk? He's been worthless in any format, I'm not sure why you'd think that would change as the young, talented back in NE get more seasoned.
Click to expand...
Yeah I don't really see Woodhead as being more than a passing down option. He's incredibly small, Sproles-esque, not really built to handle every down duties. If I had to guess, after this year BJGE and Faulk will be gone and Vereen/Ridley/Woodhead would be in the standard rotation. I also wouldn't be surprised if a veteran acquisition was made in the offseason.
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Youre ill informed sirs. He isnt very tall, but he is 215 lbs - he weighs just as much as MJD (Heavier than Vereen, little lighter than Ridley) and is the fastest back on that team. He runs just as hard as BJGE and catches better than Faulk - this is ignoring completely that he has been the most versatile back in NE since he has been there.Also, Woodhead lead the Pats in touches week 1, in week 2 he got injured. He avgs 11 yds per catch and 5.6 yds per carry.Not sure if you guys remember week 1 Pats v Dolphins, but they were in the no huddle 90% of the plays and Woodhead almost never came off the field, the offense was a machine.Belichick knows whats up, they extended Woodheads contract 2 years midseason last year, they waited and gave BJGE a 1 year extension during the offseason.
 
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'Run It Up said:
Youre ill informed sirs. He isnt very tall, but he is 215 lbs
Click to expand...
Actually, you are the one who is ill informed. Woodhead weighs 195 lbs, not 215. That is 10 lbs lighter than Vereen, and 30 lbs lighter than Ridley.Patriots roster with weights

'Run It Up said:
Also, Woodhead lead the Pats in touches week 1, in week 2 he got injured. He avgs 11 yds per catch and 5.6 yds per carry.
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No, he isn't. He is averaging 4.1 ypc and 7.9 yards per catch. When you realize that most of those carries come in situations when a pass was expected, it's not that impressive.
'Run It Up said:
Not sure if you guys remember week 1 Pats v Dolphins, but they were in the no huddle 90% of the plays and Woodhead almost never came off the field, the offense was a machine.
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Not sure if you remember week 5 Pats v Jets (a legitimate team, not the Dolphins), but Woodhead never saw the field, and the offense was still a machine.
'Run It Up said:
Belichick knows whats up, they extended Woodheads contract 2 years midseason last year, they waited and gave BJGE a 1 year extension during the offseason.
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Yes, he does, and that's why Woodhead will be a part of the Pats, filling K Faulk's role when he is gone, but Woodhead won't be the featured back on a regular basis.
 
Did Vince Wilfork sneak a leg onto the scale when you got that 215 lbs for Woodhead? :D

MFL.com lists him at 5'8", 195 lbs. NFL.com lists him at 5'8", 195 lbs (link). Roster at Patriots.com lists him at 5'8", 195 lbs (link). I'm sensing a trend.

I do remember week 1, but I also remember last week where it was all Faulk the moment he returned from a year and a half-long absence. Meanwhile, Woodhead was returning kicks and didn't get a touch on offense.

I would think Woodhead is the better fit due to his speed, but I don't know that Belichick thinks that.

 
'Diamond said:
Did Vince Wilfork sneak a leg onto the scale when you got that 215 lbs for Woodhead? :D

MFL.com lists him at 5'8", 195 lbs. NFL.com lists him at 5'8", 195 lbs (link). Roster at Patriots.com lists him at 5'8", 195 lbs (link). I'm sensing a trend.

I do remember week 1, but I also remember last week where it was all Faulk the moment he returned from a year and a half-long absence. Meanwhile, Woodhead was returning kicks and didn't get a touch on offense.

I would think Woodhead is the better fit due to his speed, but I don't know that Belichick thinks that.
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I'd bet the kitchen sink that both of those are slightly over-exaggerated.
 
'Bayhawks said:
Actually, you are the one who is ill informed. Woodhead weighs 195 lbs, not 215. That is 10 lbs lighter than Vereen, and 30 lbs lighter than Ridley.

Patriots roster with weights
Click to expand...
Cant tell you why those are wrong, but they are, Woodhead weighed in at 198 when he signed with the Jets, he got injured and during the offseason put on weight, in between the 2010 and 2011 season Woodhead bulked up adding more than 10 lbs.
'Bayhawks said:
No, he isn't. He is averaging 4.1 ypc and 7.9 yards per catch. When you realize that most of those carries come in situations when a pass was expected, it's not that impressive.
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So does this discount Jamaal Charles value too? His (Woodhead) career avgs are: 5.2 YPC and 10.6 Yds per catch.
'Bayhawks said:
Yes, he does, and that's why Woodhead will be a part of the Pats, filling K Faulk's role when he is gone, but Woodhead won't be the featured back on a regular basis.
Click to expand...
I never said he was gonna be their feature back, although I think hes more than capable of it, I said he was gonna be the recipient of the most of their touches, I even prefaced all that by saying the committee is never gonna go away in New England.
 
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'Velveeta22 said:
Why would you own any RB from the Patriots. They consistently use a 3 man RBBC and upside is limited with opportunity. Sell all Pats RBs and you will breathe easier.
Click to expand...
BJGE was pretty valuable in fantasy leagues last year. So was Corey Dillon in years' past.
 
'Run It Up said:
Cant tell you why those are wrong, but they are, Woodhead weighed in at 198 when he signed with the Jets, he got injured and during the offseason put on weight, in between the 2010 and 2011 season Woodhead bulked up adding more than 10 lbs.
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So everyone else is wrong, and you are right? Can you post a single link that substantiates your claim that he weights 215?
'Run It Up said:
So does this discount Jamaal Charles value too? His (Woodhead) career avgs are: 5.2 YPC and 10.6 Yds per catch.
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Yes, you could discount Jamaal Charles, if he had less than 1 full season as his track record, and he played well over 70% of his snaps in "3rd-down type" situations, where the field is spread out and he runs draw type plays, as Woodhead tends to do. Since Charles' track record is much longer than less than a season, and since Charles has been RB in all situations, comparing them makes your argument look weaker, not stronger.
'Run It Up said:
I never said he was gonna be their feature back, although I think hes more than capable of it, I said he was gonna be the recipient of the most of their touches, I even prefaced all that by saying the committee is never gonna go away in New England.
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OK, I'll rephrase. It is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that the Patriots will ever, BY DESIGN, make Woodhead the RB who they play to give most of the touches to. There may be games where he gets the most touches, or if injuries occur, they may be forced to give him the most touches, but he is not a RB who they will want to lean on, and therefore, he's not a RB that FF owners will want to rely on as a RB1 or RB2.
 
'Bayhawks said:
So everyone else is wrong, and you are right? Can you post a single link that substantiates your claim that he weights 215?
Click to expand...
I cant, but if you spend 5 seconds looking for anything other than 195 you will see that he weighed 198 three years ago and several mentions of him gaining weight - every off season. I would compare this to the fact that literally every source says Danny Woodhead is a different height, when the Pats first picked him up in an interview he said he was 5'6", since then it has ranged from 5'7" to 5'9".Either way, fact remains, his size is irrelevant to my argument, the point I was making is he is of an almost identical build to MJD who we can all agree is one of the best backs in the NFL since he has been playing. His height is an advantage.
 
'Run It Up said:
the point I was making is he is of an almost identical build to MJD who we can all agree is one of the best backs in the NFL since he has been playing. His height is an advantage.
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Exactly, the point you were making is that he is almost an identical build to MJD, which is completely false. MJD is the same height, but weighs 208 lbs. He is built like a bowling ball, his legs are HUGE, and his center of gravity is extremely low. None of those things are true of Woodhead, so your point is without merit.
 
I think it'll be Shane Vereen as 1A and Stevan Ridley as 1B. BJGE will be gone, and Woodhead will get some playing time on 3rd downs but not a whole lot.

 
'Bayhawks said:
Exactly, the point you were making is that he is almost an identical build to MJD, which is completely false. MJD is the same height, but weighs 208 lbs. He is built like a bowling ball, his legs are HUGE, and his center of gravity is extremely low. None of those things are true of Woodhead, so your point is without merit.
Click to expand...
Lmfao, this is hilarious - how you could possibly think this is beyond me, have you ever even seen Danny Woodhead? Enjoy your thread clown.
 
Most of what I heard is that the injury to Vareen in the preseason put him behind Ridley. By now wouldn't he have shown what he's capable enough to give him some touches or are they set on rolling with the veteran guys for the rest of the year?

 
'Run It Up said:
'Bayhawks said:
Exactly, the point you were making is that he is almost an identical build to MJD, which is completely false. MJD is the same height, but weighs 208 lbs. He is built like a bowling ball, his legs are HUGE, and his center of gravity is extremely low. None of those things are true of Woodhead, so your point is without merit.
Click to expand...
Lmfao, this is hilarious - how you could possibly think this is beyond me, have you ever even seen Danny Woodhead? Enjoy your thread clown.
Click to expand...
Woodhead looks like Harry Potter.
 
'Run It Up said:
'Bayhawks said:
Exactly, the point you were making is that he is almost an identical build to MJD, which is completely false. MJD is the same height, but weighs 208 lbs. He is built like a bowling ball, his legs are HUGE, and his center of gravity is extremely low. None of those things are true of Woodhead, so your point is without merit.
Click to expand...
Lmfao, this is hilarious - how you could possibly think this is beyond me, have you ever even seen Danny Woodhead? Enjoy your thread clown.
Click to expand...
Name calling. Always effective when attempting to make a coherent point. :whoosh:

 
'Run It Up said:
'Bayhawks said:
Exactly, the point you were making is that he is almost an identical build to MJD, which is completely false. MJD is the same height, but weighs 208 lbs. He is built like a bowling ball, his legs are HUGE, and his center of gravity is extremely low. None of those things are true of Woodhead, so your point is without merit.
Click to expand...
Lmfao, this is hilarious - how you could possibly think this is beyond me, have you ever even seen Danny Woodhead? Enjoy your thread clown.
Click to expand...
Woodhead is not built like MJD.
 
I'm still holding onto Vereen as a lottery ticket, but he looks like a bust. Can anyone remember a RB being drafted highly, sitting out his rookie year without any significant injury, then becoming a significant contributor in subsequent years?

 
Vereen is on waivers in my main dynasty. He's been sitting there for over a month. Just don't see how any one of them will be worth starting in 2012.

 
'Gandalf said:
Hi all:

As an owner of both Ridley and Vereen in a dynasty league, I've been wrestling with keeping these players rostered all season. Now the Pats running game is obviously a full blown RBBC for the rest of this year and possibly beyond. Or is it? The stake are high because if one of these guys could emerge then we would all have a steal for next season. With BJGE currently signed to a one-year deal and with Faulk being 36 next season, they might not be around or effective. Of course there is Woodhead too in the mix. My current bet is that BJGE sign elsewhere clearing the way for Ridley. He seems to have the most opportunity longer term, if BJGE were to leave. That said Vereen hasn't had an opportunity and he might be the most talented RB on the team. So my strategy is to keep both these guys rostered if possible going into next season assuming they can be kept at a low cost. My guess is that in most leagues it would be the opportunity cost of occupying two roster spots. That would mean a choice between them and guys like Taiwan Jones, Tashard Choice, Phillip Tanner, etc.
Click to expand...
You would have to have very small rosters not to be able or want to hold onto two rookie backs that have some promise. I see them both as holds or "buy lows" (although I doubt Ridley owners are selling low. Ridley has looked good when given opportunties and I'm a fan of Vereen's talents. I think his training camp injuries put him behind the 8 ball in creating his role with the team, but next season he should get his chances to compete for a spot.

I think the whole RBBC mess right now is a function of BJGE's toe injury and no one else really stepping up. I think the coahcing staff would welcome some stability back there.

 
'Jerry Lawler said:
I'm still holding onto Vereen as a lottery ticket, but he looks like a bust. Can anyone remember a RB being drafted highly, sitting out his rookie year without any significant injury, then becoming a significant contributor in subsequent years?
Click to expand...
I am not sure what "significant" translates to, and I can't remember who may have been hurt, but . . .James StarksDarren SprolesWillie ParkerMichael TurnerLarry JohnsonRudi JohnsonReuben DroughnsTroy HambrickMichael PittmanDuce StaleyPriest HolmesDorsey Levens
 
I'm also intrigued by Vereen in my keeper league, as he is on waivers, but the problem is that there will be likely no indication at the beginning of next year which, if any, of Ridley/Vereen/Woodhead/someone else will be the primary back. So it may be another wait-and-see approach next year until someone emerges.

Agree that Faulk and BJGE are likely gone after this year.

 
'Jerry Lawler said:
I'm still holding onto Vereen as a lottery ticket, but he looks like a bust. Can anyone remember a RB being drafted highly, sitting out his rookie year without any significant injury, then becoming a significant contributor in subsequent years?
Click to expand...
Hard to call a RB a bust before he even gets a single carry. Prior history is pretty irrelevant really, if someone happened to do what you're saying that's not going to change the situation that Vereen is currently in. In a dynasty league, taking anything besides the patient approach is the wrong way to go about it imo.
 
'Ketamine Dreams said:
Vereen is on waivers in my main dynasty. He's been sitting there for over a month. Just don't see how any one of them will be worth starting in 2012.
Click to expand...
I just cut Demaryus Thomas and Jerome Simpson for Vereen and Ridley. I don't necessarily think they will do anything, but I am smart enough to know that I have no idea what Belichick will do so if he does happen to use one of these two rooks in the next year, I'll be ready. If not, I cut them down the road (maybe even yet this year). They are in spots 21 and 22 on my 22 man roster.
 
'Time Kibitzer said:
'Jerry Lawler said:
I'm still holding onto Vereen as a lottery ticket, but he looks like a bust. Can anyone remember a RB being drafted highly, sitting out his rookie year without any significant injury, then becoming a significant contributor in subsequent years?
Click to expand...
Hard to call a RB a bust before he even gets a single carry. Prior history is pretty irrelevant really, if someone happened to do what you're saying that's not going to change the situation that Vereen is currently in. In a dynasty league, taking anything besides the patient approach is the wrong way to go about it imo.
Click to expand...
Stephen Davis comes to mind. Also DeAngelo Williams had a hard time getting on the field.
 
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