Video of Belichick's post-game conference vs the Raiders.
Made a couple nice mentions of Ridley in the first minute. 0:44 and 0:51 specifically, but was quick to point out, "it was a good team effort running the ball. one guy can't do it. you got to have 11 guys" (1:17).
all I took away from this is it's encouraging news for Ridley owners. I certainly don't see Ridley "taking over" as the main ball carrier. later in the video Belichick even states (paraphrasing) the game plan changes from opponent to opponent, so aside from Brady and Welker, there is no "main" guy in this offense.
link
BB called him "Rid" the vid is good indication of what BB thinks of him as of now.
I think I may be misinterpreting BB's comments regarding running the ball. I think he's talking about how they run the ball. hence, "team effort" and "11 guys". more like a philosophy. rather than hearing it as who will run the ball. that said, I'm still feeling good about Ridley's prospects of getting enough involved in this offense to make a fantasy impact the second half of the season.
putting the cart in front of the horse for a second:
NE sched after their week 7 BYE
@PIT, NYG, @NYJ, KC, @PHI, IND (FF PLAYOFFS) @WAS, @DEN, MIA (geez... might as well give them the AFC East. look at those wk13 - wk16 games).
PIT and NYJ are deceiving. PIT is having an uncharacteristically hard time on D and my Jets are abysmal trying to stop the run.
NYG and WAS are tough run Ds, not that I would use Ridley in my playoff run, but DEN and MIA would be tempting if he's shown he can produce consistently by then.