Stevan Ridley Support Group (1 Viewer)

[DropKick]

I'm wondering if another coach would be more tolerant than Bellicheck and play Ridley more. No saying the fumbles are excusable or desirous. However, there are other guys that put the ball on the carpet as well and play. McFadden comes to mind. Also, Kniles Davis has a fumbling rep. That said, its something he needs to get under wraps.

What coach is tolerant of fumbles? Think Tom Coughlin here...

A lot of RB's fumbled as much as Ridley did last year and didn't lose their job. Ridley had the bad fortune of losing all four of his fumbles and having one three weeks in a row.

Some examples that all had a higher fumble rate:

- Reggie Bush had five fumbles (lost four) on 277 touches (1 in 55)

- Joique Bell had four fumbles (lost three) on 219 touches (1 in 55)

- Alfred Morris had five fumbles (lost four) on 285 touches (1 in 57)

- Ben Tate had five fumbles (lost two) on 215 touches (1 in 43)

I guess with Bush/Bell you have to pick your poison. And Tate wouldn't be in the game with a healthy Foster.

A lot of it may come down to when and how you fumble. Take a helmet shot on the ball and every back in the league puts the ball on the ground... but ,if its due to chronic sloppiness, I can see many coaches losing patience. Didn't Ridley have a couple early fumbles in their Denver showdown when they fell behind big early? I remember this odd spin move...

 

[cstu]

I'm wondering if another coach would be more tolerant than Bellicheck and play Ridley more. No saying the fumbles are excusable or desirous. However, there are other guys that put the ball on the carpet as well and play. McFadden comes to mind. Also, Kniles Davis has a fumbling rep. That said, its something he needs to get under wraps.

What coach is tolerant of fumbles? Think Tom Coughlin here...

A lot of RB's fumbled as much as Ridley did last year and didn't lose their job. Ridley had the bad fortune of losing all four of his fumbles and having one three weeks in a row.

Some examples that all had a higher fumble rate:

- Reggie Bush had five fumbles (lost four) on 277 touches (1 in 55)

- Joique Bell had four fumbles (lost three) on 219 touches (1 in 55)

- Alfred Morris had five fumbles (lost four) on 285 touches (1 in 57)

- Ben Tate had five fumbles (lost two) on 215 touches (1 in 43)

I guess with Bush/Bell you have to pick your poison. And Tate wouldn't be in the game with a healthy Foster.

A lot of it may come down to when and how you fumble. Take a helmet shot on the ball and every back in the league puts the ball on the ground... but ,if its due to chronic sloppiness, I can see many coaches losing patience. Didn't Ridley have a couple early fumbles in their Denver showdown when they fell behind big early? I remember this odd spin move...

Week 1 Bills fumble - terrible one since it wouldn't have been a fumble had he been touched first. He got benched for that.

Week 9 Steelers fumble - his foot was an inch away from being out of bounds

No video available of the Week 11 Panthers fumble or Week 12 Broncos fumble, but here is a break down of Ridley's career fumbles.

 

[DropKick]

I'm wondering if another coach would be more tolerant than Bellicheck and play Ridley more. No saying the fumbles are excusable or desirous. However, there are other guys that put the ball on the carpet as well and play. McFadden comes to mind. Also, Kniles Davis has a fumbling rep. That said, its something he needs to get under wraps.

What coach is tolerant of fumbles? Think Tom Coughlin here...

A lot of RB's fumbled as much as Ridley did last year and didn't lose their job. Ridley had the bad fortune of losing all four of his fumbles and having one three weeks in a row.

Some examples that all had a higher fumble rate:

- Reggie Bush had five fumbles (lost four) on 277 touches (1 in 55)

- Joique Bell had four fumbles (lost three) on 219 touches (1 in 55)

- Alfred Morris had five fumbles (lost four) on 285 touches (1 in 57)

- Ben Tate had five fumbles (lost two) on 215 touches (1 in 43)

I guess with Bush/Bell you have to pick your poison. And Tate wouldn't be in the game with a healthy Foster.

A lot of it may come down to when and how you fumble. Take a helmet shot on the ball and every back in the league puts the ball on the ground... but ,if its due to chronic sloppiness, I can see many coaches losing patience. Didn't Ridley have a couple early fumbles in their Denver showdown when they fell behind big early? I remember this odd spin move...

Week 1 Bills fumble - terrible one since it wouldn't have been a fumble had he been touched first. He got benched for that.

Week 9 Steelers fumble - his foot was an inch away from being out of bounds

No video available of the Week 11 Panthers fumble or Week 12 Broncos fumble, but here is a break down of Ridley's career fumbles.

Here is the conclusion from the career fumbles link. I wonder if the author said "Ridley, believe it or not" intentionally.

The recurring theme is that on nearly all of Ridley's fumbles, he has one hand on the ball. We can't expect him to constantly have two hands on it, as no back in the league has that level of discipline, but what Ridley lacks is that sixth sense of knowing when the defenders are coming and when he needs to cover the ball.

Some of these fumbles can be attributed to poor fundamentals, but some others are simply bad luck or great plays by the defense.

That being said, there is a precedent for running backs correcting those issues. The common Patriots comparison has been Kevin Faulk, who fumbled the ball 11 times in his first three years in the league and just four times in his final two years. Ridley, believe it or not, compares favorably to Faulk in that respect. Faulk fumbled once in every 33.8 touches in the first three years of his career; Ridley's fumble rate is one in every 51.7 touches.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Boston Globe's Chad Finn said it is too early to "bury" Stevan Ridley.
Nine fumbles over the last two seasons have earned Ridley several extended stays in Bill Belichick's doghouse, but necessity should dictate Ridley gets at least one more shot. The departure of LaGarrette Blount has left the Patriots' "big back" cupboard bare and left Ridley as clearly the most talented option to fill the role. He is a prime bounce-back candidate.

Source: Boston Globe

 

[cstu]

Hard to believe considering he's played just three seasons and has found himself in the doghouse at least that number of times, but Stevan Ridley is on the verge of cracking the Patriots' top 10 all-time leading rushers. With 2,477 yards, he's just 304 yards behind Antowain Smith in the No. 10 spot. More notably, Ridley has a higher per-carry rushing average (4.5) than anyone in the top 10, among them Sam Cunningham, Jim Nance, and Curtis Martin. As intriguing as fourth-rounder James White of Wisconsin might be, I wouldn't bury Ridley just yet.

 

[FGITLOTR]

Rotoworld:

The Boston Globe's Chad Finn said it is too early to "bury" Stevan Ridley.

Nine fumbles over the last two seasons have earned Ridley several extended stays in Bill Belichick's doghouse, but necessity should dictate Ridley gets at least one more shot. The departure of LaGarrette Blount has left the Patriots' "big back" cupboard bare and left Ridley as clearly the most talented option to fill the role. He is a prime bounce-back candidate.

Source: Boston Globe

IMO, where you can get him, he's a tremendous value! Yes, he has issues, but should he not fumble as much, he could have a nice season. In non PPR, he's a solid RB3

 

[Ack88]

All of the talk regarding Ridley's fumbling rate when juxtaposed to other RBs obscures the most important point: it all comes down to Bellichick.

If Ridley coughs it up, he's not going to play. I think he's a great candidate to be a quality RB3, but would be apprehensive if he was my RB2 because the chance is very real that he could spend prolonged stretches on the bench. What he does offer is terrific redzone appeal, as he's demonstrated a propensity to score TDs and the Pats look to have an upper echelon offense again this year.

 

[PhantomJB]

I really don't understand the hesitation with Ridley.

His fumblitis is already priced into his ADP at RB30 in nearly the 7th round. So you draft an RB3 with the demonstrated potential to reach 1K / double digit TD's. Plus Blount is gone so it would appear the leash has gotten a little longer.

Not sure who else you can say that about in the RB25+ draft range. Maybe a couple guys like Pierce/Miller but their ADP's are sure to rise as the preseason progresses. Seems pretty straightforward.

 

[cstu]

All of the talk regarding Ridley's fumbling rate when juxtaposed to other RBs obscures the most important point: it all comes down to Bellichick.

If Ridley coughs it up, he's not going to play. I think he's a great candidate to be a quality RB3, but would be apprehensive if he was my RB2 because the chance is very real that he could spend prolonged stretches on the bench. What he does offer is terrific redzone appeal, as he's demonstrated a propensity to score TDs and the Pats look to have an upper echelon offense again this year.

He's a lot less interesting in redraft than dynasty since he's a free agent next year. Seems like a good fit in Arizona where Arians prefers a RB who can primarily run and pass block.

 

[Mingooch]

I strongly agree with CSTU, I see his value jumping next year with whatever new team pays him.

 

[Grahamburn]

I really don't understand the hesitation with Ridley.

His fumblitis is already priced into his ADP at RB30 in nearly the 7th round. So you draft an RB3 with the demonstrated potential to reach 1K / double digit TD's. Plus Blount is gone so it would appear the leash has gotten a little longer.

Not sure who else you can say that about in the RB25+ draft range. Maybe a couple guys like Pierce/Miller but their ADP's are sure to rise as the preseason progresses. Seems pretty straightforward.

The hesitation is this:

When Ridley fumbles he goes straight to the Patriots' bench. Do not pass go. Do not collect $100. If he's in your lineup that day he kills you.

Sure, he'll have a few 90 yard 2 TD games, but when are those coming? When are the fumble days coming? You're rolling the dice.

 

[FGITLOTR]

I really don't understand the hesitation with Ridley.

His fumblitis is already priced into his ADP at RB30 in nearly the 7th round. So you draft an RB3 with the demonstrated potential to reach 1K / double digit TD's. Plus Blount is gone so it would appear the leash has gotten a little longer.

Not sure who else you can say that about in the RB25+ draft range. Maybe a couple guys like Pierce/Miller but their ADP's are sure to rise as the preseason progresses. Seems pretty straightforward.

The hesitation is this:

When Ridley fumbles he goes straight to the Patriots' bench. Do not pass go. Do not collect $100. If he's in your lineup that day he kills you.

Sure, he'll have a few 90 yard 2 TD games, but when are those coming? When are the fumble days coming? You're rolling the dice.

I get your point, but the reward at his current ADP is worth the risk. With no Blount, what other Pats RB can challenge him for short yardage/GL work? I'm buying all day in dynasty and love the fact that he's in a contract year

 

[cstu]

RICHMOND, Va. — Running back Stevan Ridley can’t provide an honest glimpse of his stuff without initiating contact.

This week’s joint practices with the Redskins have offered a view that proves the Patriots fourth-year bruiser hasn’t lost his edge. Ridley has been the Pats’ most productive back on the ground through two joint sessions, keeping his perch as the likely starter in running situations ahead of flashy rookie James White.

An all-encompassing theme has shown the Patriots do some good things with the running game. Again, without the chance to play as physically as they desire when practicing against themselves, the rushing analysis has a huge void.

So far, they like the foundation that’s been laid here.

“It’s good not to be beating up on our own teammates and come out here and scrimmage against another team, but it’s only Week   1 of the preseason,” said Ridley, who has led the Pats in rushing in two consecutive seasons. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I think things are heading in the right direction.

“It’s a lot easier going against a defense who doesn’t see your plays, the same plays you run seven times a day. We’re seeing a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. We’ve just got to keep working.”

 

[cstu]

Stevan Ridley Embraces New Role As Leader

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New England Patriots running back James White (28) and running back Stevan Ridley run a drill during NFL football training camp in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, July 26, 2014. (AP Photo) New England Patriots running backs Stevan Ridley, right, and James White are leading the way for their position group during training camp.

AP photo

By Duncan Day

Boston.com Correspondent

July 27, 2014 7:00 PM

FOXBOROUGH — Stevan Ridley remembers when he was given the opportunity to play professional football in New England, drafted in the third round out of LSU, and looking back at it, he’s stunned at how fast his leadership role on the team has unfolded.

He now has an obligation to shepherd newcomers still getting acclimated to New England.

“It’s kind of strange going from being one of the youngest guys in the locker room to the oldest, but time does that to you,” Ridley said. “And I realize that there are some guys behind me looking up to me. So, I have to do my job to stay on my toes to be a leader at all times, even when the coaches aren’t around.”

And head coach Bill Belichick’s advice has escorted Ridley in the right direction leadership-wise.

“I think really what coach say to us is, ‘Being a leader is not really about what you say, it’s about what you do.’ Going on year four, it’s about time that I step in there, and if the team calls on me and wants me to take a leadership role, that’s what I’m going to do,” Ridley said.

One emphasis of training camp for all runnings backs, not just Ridley, has been potency in the red zone. In his third year Ridley has shown a capacity to get into the end zone, totaling 19 touchdowns in the past two seasons. During camp thus far, Ridley has shown great promise by consistently plowing through the defense during red zone drills, and overall, the Pats’ starting running back has liked his group’s results.

Following success in goal line scenarios Sunday, the running backs were extremely enthused, cheering even, at the work they had basically mastered.

“When we get out in the red zone, we’re trying to score,” he said. “We’ve had two decent days of finding the end zone. Anytime you score, the stands go wild, so we have to be our own energy out there on the practice field, and we’re trying to finish practice strong. So we get excited anytime we go in the end zone and score.”

The running backs, specifically newcomer James White, should be in good spirits. White, who rushed for 1,444 yards and notched 13 touchdowns in his senior season at Wisconsin, has done nothing but impress those keeping a close eye on the running backs.

His cutting ability, speed, and vision have drawn attention in comparison to all runners at practice, and, particularly, for a rookie. Plus, White has been deployed in multiple schemes, taking on receiving and blocking duties.

Ridley realized this himself and praised White.

“Coach has the eye for bringing guys in here. From what I’ve seen from him, he’s been a team player, worked hard, made some great cuts and catches,” Ridley said. “He’s doing it on all three phases: blitz pickup, passing and running. And that’s what we need in our running back, a complete back.”

Although firing on all cylinders may be an overstatement, the quality that we’re seeing from the running backs is surely promising.

“As a group, we’re getting it done. It’s good to have everyone healthy and on the field for once, as a unit. We’re going to try to be a strong point (on the team) as we have been in years past.”

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/2014/07/27/stevan-ridley-embraces-new-role-leader/Pv5cfv3R20cHGdYOLZsG9I/story.html

 

[Faust]

Stevan Ridley, ball security back in focus

 

[SameSongNDance]

My reaction to Ridley "falling" to me in the 9th round.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

ESPN Boston reports Stevan Ridley's benching in Friday's preseason game "might have been more about workload than a message from the coaching staff."

Ridley started and played 16-of-91 snaps, but didn't return after his second-quarter fumble. He finished with nine carries for 45 yards. Bill Belichick said he thought Ridley's fumble "was close," and could have been overturned if challenged. Ridley shouldn't lose his role as the primary early-down back based on one preseason play, but he can't afford any turnovers in New England's third or fourth exhibition games. He's a boom-or-bust fantasy RB2.


Source: ESPN Boston
Aug 16 - 3:58 PM

 

[JFS171]

Doug Kyed‏@DougKyedNESN43 mins

Stevan Ridley got the first handoff among Patriots running backs in 11-on-11s, despite his fumble on Friday night.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

Wouldn't shock me if Ridley doesn't make the team

 

[maf005]

Wouldn't shock me if Ridley doesn't make the team

You wouldn't be shocked if the Pats starting rb doesn't make the final 53 man roster?

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Wouldn't shock me if Ridley doesn't make the team

Wtf? You realize he's the starting RB and their best RB, right? Vereen basically plays a completely different role, like Woodhead did.

You're talking about a guy with overblown fumble issues (overblown because of the way Belichick reacts) who has already had a 1200/12 season.

Of course, I'm a believer and just traded for him in one league. So maybe my outlook is too sunny here.

 

[jurb26]

Wouldn't shock me if Ridley doesn't make the team

Wtf? You realize he's the starting RB and their best RB, right? Vereen basically plays a completely different role, like Woodhead did.

You're talking about a guy with overblown fumble issues (overblown because of the way Belichick reacts) who has already had a 1200/12 season.

Of course, I'm a believer and just traded for him in one league. So maybe my outlook is too sunny here.

Sounds about right to me. Vereen is a glorified WR playing RB.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

Wouldn't shock me if Ridley doesn't make the

team

You wouldn't be shocked if the Pats starting rb doesn't make the final 53 man roster?

Correct

 

[cstu]

Wouldn't shock me if Ridley doesn't make the team

Wtf? You realize he's the starting RB and their best RB, right? Vereen basically plays a completely different role, like Woodhead did.

You're talking about a guy with overblown fumble issues (overblown because of the way Belichick reacts) who has already had a 1200/12 season.

Of course, I'm a believer and just traded for him in one league. So maybe my outlook is too sunny here.

I was really down on Ridley until they let Blount go and only drafted White. Besides Bolden they don't have a big RB so Ridley would need to fumble a lot to lose his job this year.

 

[cstu]

Wouldn't shock me if Ridley doesn't make the

team

You wouldn't be shocked if the Pats starting rb doesn't make the final 53 man roster?

Correct

He's making $778k this year - where are they going to get a RB even close to him in talent who also knows their offense?

 

[cstu]

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I feel Ridley is in for a Corey Dillon-esque year.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I feel Ridley is in for a Corey Dillon-esque year.

I'm not saying it is likely but I wouldn't be shocked. I've seen and heard BB plenty on the

importance of ball security and just heard him on the radio two hours ago on his weekly local show. If Ridley coughs it up in the next preseason game, it could be bad news. Not saying likely but I wouldn't be shocked at all.

 

[Boston]

Wouldn't shock me if Ridley doesn't make the

team

You wouldn't be shocked if the Pats starting rb doesn't make the final 53 man roster?

Correct

He's making $778k this year - where are they going to get a RB even close to him in talent who also knows their offense?

Brandon Bolden, Shane Vereen and James White...

I really like Ridley and want him to succeed...the kid runs with serious power...yet if he keeps fumbling BB will not hesitate to bury him behind those three (I don't think he would get cut...just too talented and cheap)...

 

[Ilov80s]

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I feel Ridley is in for a Corey Dillon-esque year.

The Dillon that had two straight years of 800 and 12 or the Dillon that posted 1,700 yards? I would be happy just to have the Ridley of 2012 with 1000 yards and 10+ TDs.

 

[maf005]

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I feel Ridley is in for a Corey Dillon-esque year.

I'm not saying it is likely but I wouldn't be shocked. I've seen and heard BB plenty on the

importance of ball security and just heard him on the radio two hours ago on his weekly local show. If Ridley coughs it up in the next preseason game, it could be bad news. Not saying likely but I wouldn't be shocked at all.

Dude, just no. There is basically a 0% chance of this happening no matter what Ridley does the rest of the preseason. Stop posting crap like this.

 

[tone1oc]

I'm absolutely loving that people are blowing 10th round picks on James no-talent White while letting Ridley fall into the 8th round. Ridley is a player that can win you leagues at that kind of price.

 

[Faust]

Stevan Ridley had 'sick feeling' after fumble vs. Eagles:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000379687/article/stevan-ridley-had-sick-feeling-after-fumble-vs-eagles

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I feel Ridley is in for a Corey Dillon-esque year.

I'm not saying it is likely but I wouldn't be shocked. I've seen and heard BB plenty on the

importance of ball security and just heard him on the radio two hours ago on his weekly local show. If Ridley coughs it up in the next

preseason game, it could be bad news. Not saying likely but I wouldn't be shocked at all.

Dude, just no. There is basically a 0% chance of this happening no matter what Ridley does the rest of the preseason. Stop posting crap like this.

Perhaps Mike Reiss should stop covering the team: http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=bostonnew-england-patriots&id=4764559&city=boston&src=desktop&rand=ref~%7B%22ref%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fm.patriots.com%2Fnews%2Farticle-1%2FNews-Blitz-71-Stevan-Ridley-not-a-sure-fire-lock-to-make-the-Patriots-roster%2Fc5abd173-9843-46b9-9818-a6d70f2b4bfe%22%7D

 

[SameSongNDance]

I'm absolutely loving that people are blowing 10th round picks on James no-talent White while letting Ridley fall into the 8th round. Ridley is a player that can win you leagues at that kind of price.

I have to agree, Ridley definitely represents better value. White came off as extremely unimpressive to me at the combine and my feelings haven't changed after viewing him during preseason action. The hype just doesn't seem merited.

Ridley has same serious TD upside, there's no question. Since 2006 New England has always finished in the top 3 of RZ attempts per game (kind of a mind boggling stat). Over the past two years, they've lead the lead in rushing TDs per game. If he could just hold onto the ball a multi TD season seems possible if not probable.

 

[cstu]

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I feel Ridley is in for a Corey Dillon-esque year.

I'm not saying it is likely but I wouldn't beshocked. I've seen and heard BB plenty on the

importance of ball security and just heard him on the radio two hours ago on his weekly local show. If Ridley coughs it up in the next

preseason game, it could be bad news. Not saying likely but I wouldn't be shocked at all.

Dude, just no. There is basically a 0% chance ofthis happening no matter what Ridley does the rest of the preseason. Stop posting crap like this.

Perhaps Mike Reiss should stop covering the team: http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=bostonnew-england-patriots&id=4764559&city=boston&src=desktop&rand=ref~%7B%22ref%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fm.patriots.com%2Fnews%2Farticle-1%2FNews-Blitz-71-Stevan-Ridley-not-a-sure-fire-lock-to-make-the-Patriots-roster%2Fc5abd173-9843-46b9-9818-a6d70f2b4bfe%22%7D

Sorry, but the idea that Houston, Gray or Finch takes Ridley's roster spot is ridiculous.

The reason Ridley and Bolden don't garner the same consideration is the possibility that Houston (undrafted free agent) or Gray (first-year player) surprise and challenge for a roster spot. That's a long shot, and Bolden brings significant value on special teams, but something that at least warrants consideration. Bolden, after all, made the roster as an undrafted player two years ago. It's most likely that the Patriots keep four running backs and Houston, Finch and/or Gray finds a spot on the practice squad to add depth.

 

[cstu]

I'm absolutely loving that people are blowing 10th round picks on James no-talent White while letting Ridley fall into the 8th round. Ridley is a player that can win you leagues at that kind of price.

I have to agree, Ridley definitely represents better value. White came off as extremely unimpressive to me at the combine and my feelings haven't changed after viewing him during preseason action. The hype just doesn't seem merited.

Ridley has same serious TD upside, there's no question. Since 2006 New England has always finished in the top 3 of RZ attempts per game (kind of a mind boggling stat). Over the past two years, they've lead the lead in rushing TDs per game. If he could just hold onto the ball a multi TD season seems possible if not probable.

His first two years he had an average fumble rate (1.11% and 1.35%). I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt that last year was an aberration (I believe the Patriots are as well by leaving Blount leave).

 

[SameSongNDance]

I'm absolutely loving that people are blowing 10th round picks on James no-talent White while letting Ridley fall into the 8th round. Ridley is a player that can win you leagues at that kind of price.

I have to agree, Ridley definitely represents better value. White came off as extremely unimpressive to me at the combine and my feelings haven't changed after viewing him during preseason action. The hype just doesn't seem merited.

Ridley has same serious TD upside, there's no question. Since 2006 New England has always finished in the top 3 of RZ attempts per game (kind of a mind boggling stat). Over the past two years, they've lead the lead in rushing TDs per game. If he could just hold onto the ball a multi TD season seems possible if not probable.

His first two years he had an average fumble rate (1.11% and 1.35%). I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt that last year was an aberration (I believe the Patriots are as well by leaving Blount leave).

Yeah, it's not like it's his durability (Vereen) or talent (White) that's in question; you can correct fumbling issues. I'm not absolutely in love with his current price tag in PPR (30th RB off the board in MFL) because his floor is too low in respect to his ceiling (finished 15th in 2012) but in standard he's being taken just one spot ahead which I think is pretty good value.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I feel Ridley is in for a Corey Dillon-esque year.

I'm not saying it is likely but I wouldn't beshocked. I've seen and heard BB plenty on the

importance of ball security and just heard him on the radio two hours ago on his weekly local show. If Ridley coughs it up in the next

preseason game, it could be bad news. Not saying likely but I wouldn't be shocked at all.

Dude, just no. There is basically a 0% chance ofthis happening no matter what Ridley does the rest of the preseason. Stop posting crap like this.

Perhaps Mike Reiss should stop covering the team: http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=bostonnew-england-patriots&id=4764559&city=boston&src=desktop&rand=ref~%7B%22ref%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fm.patriots.com%2Fnews%2Farticle-1%2FNews-Blitz-71-Stevan-Ridley-not-a-sure-fire-lock-to-make-the-Patriots-roster%2Fc5abd173-9843-46b9-9818-a6d70f2b4bfe%22%7D

Sorry, but the idea that Houston, Gray or Finch takes Ridley's roster spot is ridiculous.

certainly houston, but I'd agree on the other 2 as well

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

Wouldn't shock me if Ridley doesn't make the team

Wtf? You realize he's the starting RB and their best RB, right? Vereen basically plays a completely different role, like Woodhead did.You're talking about a guy with overblown fumble issues (overblown because of the way Belichick reacts) who has already had a 1200/12 season.

Of course, I'm a believer and just traded for him in one league. So maybe my outlook is too sunny here.

I was really down on Ridley until they let Blount go and only drafted White. Besides Bolden they don't have a big RB so Ridley would need to fumble a lot to lose his job this year.

4 fumbles last season. FOUR! That's not a lot. Most RBs fumble multiple times per season. He was unlucky in that all 4 were lost. He will be fine.

 

[humpback]

I can't see it, but:

Stevan Ridley - RB - Patriots
ESPN Boston does not have Stevan Ridley making the 53-man roster in their latest projection.
We don't see any way Ridley gets cut, as he's clearly the team's best inside running option as long as he doesn't fumble. But the projection comes from ace beat man Mike Reiss, who is not prone to hyperbole. Ridley played just 11 snaps in Friday night's third preseason game, and did lose a fumble in the second preseason game. Reiss has the Patriots keeping four running backs on the active roster (Shane Vereen, James White, Brandon Bolden, Jonas Gray) and one on the practice squad (Roy Finch).
Source: ESPN Boston
Aug 25 - 8:28 AM

 

[Ghost Rider]

Wouldn't surprise me. Belichick does not stand for fumbling from RBs, and Ridley is not that great to where the risk is worth the reward, especially if the rookie White is as good as advertised.

I suspect another team would grab Ridley pretty quickly if he was suddenly available.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Wouldn't surprise me. Belichick does not stand for fumbling from RBs, and Ridley is not that great to where the risk is worth the reward, especially if the rookie White is as good as advertised.

It should. Ridley may not be "that great" but he's easily their best between the tackles runner.

 

[ponchsox]

Releasing Ridley is crazy talk. Zero chance that happens.

 

[JFS171]

Seems to be a lot of smoke around the Jonas Gray fire. Beat writers talking about how great he looks, and how his best runs have been called back for ticky tack penalties that aren't showing up in the box score. How the coaches love him, and now this about Ridley.

It'd be surprising, but Maroney washed out pretty fast in NE as well...

 

[PatsWillWin]

Seems to be a lot of smoke around the Jonas Gray fire. Beat writers talking about how great he looks, and how his best runs have been called back for ticky tack penalties that aren't showing up in the box score. How the coaches love him, and now this about Ridley.

It'd be surprising, but Maroney washed out pretty fast in NE as well...

Even with fumbling issues, Ridley is 200% the RB Maroney was.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

Releasing Ridley is crazy talk. Zero chance that happens.

Zero chance? No.

Unlikely would be more accurate.

He is not going to be on the team next year and of course they would consider cutting him in advance in order to hold onto a Gray or a Finch. It would surprise me, but it wouldn't shock me, they know he is not in their future plans.

 

[PatsWillWin]

FWIW, Eric Feinz of the Globe has Ridley as his #1 RB on the depth chart.

Finch/White making the cut over Bolden, which I could totally see. Bolden's been a ghost this pre-season.

 

[FlapJacks]

I seem to remember a lot of talk about the Pats cutting Randy Moss right before he put up a career season....

 

[Braktastic]

As a Ridley owner, I would welcome a cut. I'm tired of living in fear of the fumble and there are many place where Ridley would be a clear upgrade for a team.

 

[PatsWillWin]

As a Ridley owner, I would welcome a cut. I'm tired of living in fear of the fumble and there are many place where Ridley would be a clear upgrade for a team.

Which ones?