Vereen > Ridley (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

I understand that Ridley "got it" first, but given some more time, I think Vereen is the better back, and the cream will rise to the top. Will be interesting to see both guys play today, but I think we'll see that Vereen is a better fit for the Pats offense -- Ridley is more the downhill runner, but Vereen is more versatile, more electric, and more in the Kevin Faulk mold. My only question is pass protection, but don't be stunned to see all this excitement for Ridley turn into a shark frenzy after Vereen takes a screen pass to the house on 3rd down.

 

[RavenLunatic]

Sure hope so but I thought that about McCluster too and we are all still waiting. Luckily the Pats are a much better team!

 

[griff321]

Jesus Oats, wtf?! Way to jinx it from ever happening now. Story of my life.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

THe problem Oat, is you are confusing the old NE offense with the new NE offense. Vereen would be a better a better fit with the 2007-2009, 3WR sets. However, the NE offense is different now. They like, when Hernandez is healthy, to go to a 2TE base no huddle package and attack your weakness. If you go base, they split out a TE and throw, if you go nickel, they run or throw and if you go dime, they smash you.

I love Vereen, but I think Ridley is a perfect fit for what they want to do in terms of versatility. People also forget he was a first team all SEC running back last year with some awesome rb's in the mix.

 

[Otis]

THe problem Oat, is you are confusing the old NE offense with the new NE offense. Vereen would be a better a better fit with the 2007-2009, 3WR sets. However, the NE offense is different now. They like, when Hernandez is healthy, to go to a 2TE base no huddle package and attack your weakness. If you go base, they split out a TE and throw, if you go nickel, they run or throw and if you go dime, they smash you.I love Vereen, but I think Ridley is a perfect fit for what they want to do in terms of versatility. People also forget he was a first team all SEC running back last year with some awesome rb's in the mix.

I hear this, but he also was a 2nd round pick coming into the season. You could argue that the TEs have been surprisingly good and maybe they didn't anticipate that and have changed course, but I also don't see NE revamping their planned long-term offense in just a few weeks.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

I hear this, but he also was a 2nd round pick coming into the season. You could argue that the TEs have been surprisingly good and maybe they didn't anticipate that and have changed course, but I also don't see NE revamping their planned long-term offense in just a few weeks.

haha....dude, c'mon -- what are you talking about?anyway, maroney was a first rounder, and so was meriweather, now that I think about it --- what's that count for?

 

[Raider Nation]

Post-combine notes:

Shane Vereen is coming into the NFL Draft under-the-radar with a lot to prove. Having lived in the shadow of the more spectacular Jahvid Best, Vereen hasn't got many chances to showcase his talent to the world. In Indianapolis at the NFL Combine, he's wanted to prove that he can be a reliable, durable every-down back he believes he is instead of the secondary option in a two-back system that many pundits and experts believes he is.And he seemed to have himself a solid weekend performance.40 yard dash: 4.5 seconds (8th place among Combine running backs)Bench press: 225 pounds, 31 reps (2nd place, trailing only Connecticut fullback Anthony Sherman)Three cone drill: 6.95 seconds (11th place)60 yard shuttle: 11.58 seconds (9th place)Nothing extraordinary (like Best's 4.35 speed last season), but there's a lot to like from a running back who can show strength and ability in all facets of the game. There's no doubt Vereen should have elevated himself in the eyes of scouts as someone who can be a grinder in the trenches.

 

[Otis]

Post-combine notes:

Shane Vereen is coming into the NFL Draft under-the-radar with a lot to prove. Having lived in the shadow of the more spectacular Jahvid Best, Vereen hasn't got many chances to showcase his talent to the world. In Indianapolis at the NFL Combine, he's wanted to prove that he can be a reliable, durable every-down back he believes he is instead of the secondary option in a two-back system that many pundits and experts believes he is.And he seemed to have himself a solid weekend performance.40 yard dash: 4.5 seconds (8th place among Combine running backs)Bench press: 225 pounds, 31 reps (2nd place, trailing only Connecticut fullback Anthony Sherman)Three cone drill: 6.95 seconds (11th place)60 yard shuttle: 11.58 seconds (9th place)Nothing extraordinary (like Best's 4.35 speed last season), but there's a lot to like from a running back who can show strength and ability in all facets of the game. There's no doubt Vereen should have elevated himself in the eyes of scouts as someone who can be a grinder in the trenches.

 

[Abrantes]

I hear this, but he also was a 2nd round pick coming into the season. You could argue that the TEs have been surprisingly good and maybe they didn't anticipate that and have changed course, but I also don't see NE revamping their planned long-term offense in just a few weeks.

haha....dude, c'mon -- what are you talking about?anyway, maroney was a first rounder, and so was meriweather, now that I think about it --- what's that count for?

It meant they got more than enough chances, at least. If you believe that Vereen is the best fit on the roster, as Otis does, that should be enough.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

otis also apparently thinks bb just woke up yesterday and decided to run 2 te cuz he somehow stumbled over a couple te on his roster.

 

[griff321]

otis also apparently thinks bb just woke up yesterday and decided to run 2 te cuz he somehow stumbled over a couple te on his roster.

That and Lance Kendricks will be better than either NE TE, because they wont get enough touches. :hawkscreech:

 

[Cecil_Pooples]

The desperation of the 0-4 Hawks is sad.

Reggie Bush, Edward Royal/Steve Smith, Sam Bradford/Lance Kendricks

Like putting your old dog down at this point :unsubscribe:

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Post-combine notes:

Shane Vereen is coming into the NFL Draft under-the-radar with a lot to prove. Having lived in the shadow of the more spectacular Jahvid Best, Vereen hasn't got many chances to showcase his talent to the world. In Indianapolis at the NFL Combine, he's wanted to prove that he can be a reliable, durable every-down back he believes he is instead of the secondary option in a two-back system that many pundits and experts believes he is.

And he seemed to have himself a solid weekend performance.

40 yard dash: 4.5 seconds (8th place among Combine running backs)

Bench press: 225 pounds, 31 reps (2nd place, trailing only Connecticut fullback Anthony Sherman)

Three cone drill: 6.95 seconds (11th place)

60 yard shuttle: 11.58 seconds (9th place)

Nothing extraordinary (like Best's 4.35 speed last season), but there's a lot to like from a running back who can show strength and ability in all facets of the game. There's no doubt Vereen should have elevated himself in the eyes of scouts as someone who can be a grinder in the trenches.

Fellas, I was on the Vereen bandwagon early, before the start of the 2010 college football season. I think he is a good back. He will definitely get a chance to prove himself. I just don't think that he is a better fit for this offense that Ridley, and I think Ridley is better than most people give him credit for- mainly because they were yelling reac when NE drafted him in the 3rd.

 

[Brock Middlebrook]

otis also apparently thinks bb just woke up yesterday and decided to run 2 te cuz he somehow stumbled over a couple te on his roster.

:hawkscreech: indeed

 

[rabidfireweasel]

THe problem Oat, is you are confusing the old NE offense with the new NE offense. Vereen would be a better a better fit with the 2007-2009, 3WR sets. However, the NE offense is different now. They like, when Hernandez is healthy, to go to a 2TE base no huddle package and attack your weakness. If you go base, they split out a TE and throw, if you go nickel, they run or throw and if you go dime, they smash you.I love Vereen, but I think Ridley is a perfect fit for what they want to do in terms of versatility. People also forget he was a first team all SEC running back last year with some awesome rb's in the mix.

I hear this, but he also was a 2nd round pick coming into the season. You could argue that the TEs have been surprisingly good and maybe they didn't anticipate that and have changed course, but I also don't see NE revamping their planned long-term offense in just a few weeks.

Actually, the plan to revamp the offense and make it flexible has been a long time coming. In the NFL films documentary, BB flat out states, if you can cover Moss over the top and handle Welker, we are done. Since 2010, has has been searching for how to be a more flexible offense that can attack any weakness. I believe Ridley catches the ball better than expected (although he isn't the dynamic receiver that Vereen is), can put his head down and smash it inside, and has surprising burst into the second level that allows him to puck up 10-25 yard gains at a surprising clip. He is simply better than anyone expected.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

The desperation of the 0-4 Hawks is sad. Reggie Bush, Edward Royal/Steve Smith, Sam Bradford/Lance Kendricks Like putting your old dog down at this point :unsubscribe:

Ouch4-0 Shark here.

 

[Billy1x]

Gil Brandt on Sirius Radio had Ridley easily as the SECOND best back in the draft (after Ingram). A good GM drafts players where you think you can get them. The Pats may have had Ridley ranked higher but drafted Vereen first just so they got both. After Maroney, they played it smart and draft 2 backs to double their chances of not having another bust.

 

[Joe Summer]

Having lived in the shadow of the more spectacular Jahvid Best

 

[Otis]

The desperation of the 0-4 Hawks is sad. Reggie Bush, Edward Royal/Steve Smith, Sam Bradford/Lance Kendricks Like putting your old dog down at this point :unsubscribe:

4-0 in my FBG players championship league, Ace. Looking pretty good to go 5-0.

 

[Cecil_Pooples]

The desperation of the 0-4 Hawks is sad. Reggie Bush, Edward Royal/Steve Smith, Sam Bradford/Lance Kendricks Like putting your old dog down at this point :unsubscribe:

Ouch4-0 Shark here.

Calm waters here too. Like most sharks, took Carolina Steve as my 'WR4'. Chasing points with Dev Henderson and Danario Alexander Grabbed Ridley in a few leagues as he is the most versatile of that group.

 

[Sabertooth]

Gil Brandt on Sirius Radio had Ridley easily as the SECOND best back in the draft (after Ingram). A good GM drafts players where you think you can get them. The Pats may have had Ridley ranked higher but drafted Vereen first just so they got both. After Maroney, they played it smart and draft 2 backs to double their chances of not having another bust.

I don't know enough about Ridley and Vereen to say whether I like one more than the other. I do however know that this is simply poppycock.

 

[duaneok66]

Gil Brandt on Sirius Radio had Ridley easily as the SECOND best back in the draft (after Ingram). A good GM drafts players where you think you can get them. The Pats may have had Ridley ranked higher but drafted Vereen first just so they got both. After Maroney, they played it smart and draft 2 backs to double their chances of not having another bust.

I don't know enough about Ridley and Vereen to say whether I like one more than the other. I do however know that this is simply poppycock.

agreed . . .

 

[Sabertooth]

Vereen is just dangling out there in my dynasty league.

 

[duaneok66]

grab and stash . . .

 

[ponchsox]

The Pats took Vereen first in the draft because they had him ranked higher on their draft board. Vereen's injury in training camp really set him back. It gave Ridley more snaps in practice and more work in the preseason games. Had Ridley been hurt, their roles now could easily have been reversed. I don't think Vereen will see the field enough this year to be a factor.

 

[mdlane]

Having lived in the shadow of the more spectacular Jahvid Best

It's true. Vereen looked very decent/mediocre in college whereas Best singlehandedly defeated opponents. I have been surprised to see how many people on this board think Vereen is something special in terms of talent because that was fairly well hidden at Cal.

 

[griff321]

The desperation of the 0-4 Hawks is sad. Reggie Bush, Edward Royal/Steve Smith, Sam Bradford/Lance Kendricks Like putting your old dog down at this point :unsubscribe:

4-0 in my FBG players championship league, Ace. Looking pretty good to go 5-0.

 

[runner06]

1.) To think the Pats ranked Ridley over Vereen is just silly. Ridley was given a 3rd round grade. A team isn't going to take that chance. What really matters is how the Pats perceive them now anyways.

2.) I think it's way to early to discount Vereen from being a factor. He was hurt during the preseason which allowed Ridley to gain a lead on him.

3.) The Pats offense this year may not be the Pats offense this year. Just because Ridley is a better "fit" this year doesn't mean he will be a year or two from now.

4.) They are different types of backs so I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats eventually utilize both of them. That might drive fantasy owners crazy but there could be a lot of variance in production week to week from these guys in the future.

5.) Ridley was taken just 17 picks after Vereen. Lets not act like Vereen was a substantially higher pick then Ridley. Chances are pretty high that the Pats had them ranked pretty close to each other on their big board.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

The desperation of the 0-4 Hawks is sad. Reggie Bush, Edward Royal/Steve Smith, Sam Bradford/Lance Kendricks Like putting your old dog down at this point :unsubscribe:

4-0 in my FBG players championship league, Ace. Looking pretty good to go 5-0.

 

[Saint]

1.) To think the Pats ranked Ridley over Vereen is just silly. Ridley was given a 3rd round grade. A team isn't going to take that chance. What really matters is how the Pats perceive them now anyways.

2.) I think it's way to early to discount Vereen from being a factor. He was hurt during the preseason which allowed Ridley to gain a lead on him.

3.) The Pats offense this year may not be the Pats offense this year. Just because Ridley is a better "fit" this year doesn't mean he will be a year or two from now.

4.) They are different types of backs so I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats eventually utilize both of them. That might drive fantasy owners crazy but there could be a lot of variance in production week to week from these guys in the future.

5.) Ridley was taken just 17 picks after Vereen. Lets not act like Vereen was a substantially higher pick then Ridley. Chances are pretty high that the Pats had them ranked pretty close to each other on their big board.

Nice post. The reality here is the bolded above. Sometimes it's about opportunity. Vereen has been injured, whereas Ridley had the opportunity and did something with it. To think BB would go away from the "hot hand" with Ridley is just ridiculous. If Ridley and BJGE struggle, then I think we see more Vereen, but at this point, I have to think Ridley is going to be given his chance. Now I don't think he'll have 100 yds... I think 40-50 is more realistic with maybe 8-12 touches. If he gets more, great as I have to start him this week. For the record, I drafted Vereen and added Ridley through WW about 2 weeks ago so now I have both.

 

[Otis]

The desperation of the 0-4 Hawks is sad. Reggie Bush, Edward Royal/Steve Smith, Sam Bradford/Lance Kendricks Like putting your old dog down at this point :unsubscribe:

4-0 in my FBG players championship league, Ace. Looking pretty good to go 5-0.

My real name is on the team and there are too many crazies here. But my boy Patoons, co-owner, can :confirm:

 

[griff321]

Patoons usually fields some good teams as well. I understand and I'll take your word for it. Just wondering what your roster is.

 

[nyy45]

I happen to agree..

This article was from back in May but was with Vereen's RB coach from Cal. Vereen may be behind on learning the offense but then again, he seems like he has a deep desire for the game and has a learning curve far above the rest. Sounds to me like the perfect fit in a Belichick offense..

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4695868/learning-more-about-shane-vereen

 

[Run It Up]

Seems like few people share my opinion that it is actually the Woodhead show with rotation of bruisers.

 

[BigTex]

http://sportsofboston.com/2011/10/06/stevan-ridley-will-see-an-increased-role-in-the-backfield/

Stevan Ridley Will See an Increased Role in the Backfield

By Stephen Garcia in Featured, Patriots, Top Story ⋅

October 6, 2011 at 9:40pm

Last week in a 31-19 win over the Raiders, Stevan Ridley led the Patriots in rushing with 97 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Ridley carried the ball 10 times for an impressive 9.7 average. He broke a 15-yard run on a his first carry and also had three rushes of at least 20 yards. On the season the Natchez, Miss., native has 148 rushing yards on 18 carries (8.2 average), which puts him third out of the rookie running backs behind Daniel Thomas and Mark Ingram.

Against Oakland, BenJarvus Green-Ellis led the team in carries but Ridley may start to eat into those. With Danny Woodhead kept out of practice again on Wednesday with an ankle injury, Ridley is likely to see his carries increase.

Ridley was drafted in the third round of the 2011 draft out of LSU. He declared for the draft after rushing for 1,147 yards and 15 touchdowns his junior year. While he was drafted after fellow rookie Shane Vereen, he has certainly outshined him as Vereen has yet to see the field.

Following the NFL Draft we took a deeper look at Ridley and what he brings to the Patriots.

Ridley’s role with LSU will help him adjust to being a member of the New England Patriots. At LSU, Ridley got carries from both a pro-style set and shotgun formation, both of which New England runs.

In terms of his attributes on the field, nobody will mistake Ridley for a world beater. He won’t run away from a safety in the NFL, heck probably not even a linebacker, but if you need four yards, he’s your man. Ridley runs exceedingly well between the tackles as he’s a one-cut and go runner.

He is a tough runner to bring down as Ridley possess terrific lower body strength. What he provides in the running game he equally turns out in the receiving game as a blocker. Ridley has the blocking ability of a fullback and very rarely will you see him miss a block.

For the Patriots, look for Ridley to be that bruising type back. He’s a guy, like I’ve said, that can take 15-20 carries a game. He’ll average around four yards-per-carry and be an asset in the redzone.

I know he’s not the flashiest player. But he’s that blue-collar prospect New England always covets.

The Patriots will take on the New York Jets at 4:15 p.m. Sunday

 

[griff321]

Swing and a miss!:hawkdeathknell:

Well at least for this week. Rid didn't exactly do a ton with his touches. Way to jinx it Oats. GAH!

 

[Patoons]

Patoons usually fields some good teams as well. I understand and I'll take your word for it. Just wondering what your roster is.

Confirmed.4-1 now though....

 

[Bronx Bomber]

Anyone trying to acquire both of these guys in Dynasty? I have Vareen already and Im trying to find a way to get Ridley also in order to hedge my bet. Is this a good approach, is it worth it to own both NE RBs or will that be a headache down the road?

 

[Road Warriors]

Anyone trying to acquire both of these guys in Dynasty? I have Vareen already and Im trying to find a way to get Ridley also in order to hedge my bet. Is this a good approach, is it worth it to own both NE RBs or will that be a headache down the road?

I'd guess this is the answer. Even now, it's tough to determine which Patriots RB is the right start on a weekly basis. I doubt that the NE offensive philosophy of opponent specific gameplans will change any time soon. Assuming both guys are producing in the years to come, each will get their touches. See the snaps and touches splits with Woodhead and BJGE over the past year.

 

[Hank Mardukas]

Having lived in the shadow of the more spectacular Jahvid Best

It's true. Vereen looked very decent/mediocre in college whereas Best singlehandedly defeated opponents. I have been surprised to see how many people on this board think Vereen is something special in terms of talent because that was fairly well hidden at Cal.

False. Vereen was an extremely well rounded and talented back in college. He's tough to bring down, runs well between the tackles, has better speed than his 40 time suggests, is decisive in hitting the hole, and he's also a phenomenal pass catcher. Cal ran a lot of deep wheel routes for Vereen or even sent him in motion to split out wide for go routes. He was technically behind Jahvid, but they were both on the field for a lot of plays. He was outshined to some extent by Best, but Vereen was the lone starter the year after Best left and played very well. If his talent was fairly well hidden and he looked so mediocre, why did he get drafted in the 2nd round???I'm no scout, and they're totally different types of backs, but Vereen's highlight tape is far more impressive than Ridley's.

 

[shader]

No doubt that Vereen is going to get unleashed on some team this year and have a huge game.

But picking which New England back will have the big game is impossible. Tough situation to decide. Just when you thought BJGE was out of it, he explodes this past weekend.