James White and Brandon Bolden are the best options available for New England. And the Patriots will have to show they can maintain their level of efficiency on offense through their offensive-line juggling, which included left tackle Nate Solder being placed on the IR list with a torn biceps, and now the loss of Lewis. Dion Lewis finished at 165.2. Even beat reporters and local broadcasters this summer thought Lewis might be cut or assigned to the practice squad.
Advertisement
LeGarrette Blount’s role is certain to increase, but this will remain a committee attack with snaps doled out as the matchup and game situation merit. However, it came as a bit of a surprise at the time, and rightfully so. The guy had sucked before this season and there is no way around that. So you played the same 11 guys on offense, you played the same 11 guys on defense.
“We’re going to put a few guys up to the test and see what we can achieve”, he said. Coincidence? I think not.
“I’d say it kind of started in the 80’s as I remember it”, Belichick said.
The Patriots always have utilized the third-down back since head coach Bill Belichick took over the team in 2000. After Lewis was injured, Brady honed in on Riley in the fourth quarter. White, a second-year pro from Wisconsin, had three catches for 26 yards in a game against the NY Jets last month when Lewis was sidelined. Through eight games this season, Lewis had broken 43 tackles.
Monday’s move opens a roster spot and that could be filled with another back who might compete with James White and Brandon Bolden to help pick up the slack with Lewis down for the season. The issue is that the Patriots need versatility and not someone that can just rush down field. It may be worth waiting a week to see which running back delivers more fantasy value, if any.
“I just never felt like we got in a rhythm”, he added. For example, in terms of receptions and receiving yards in 2014, Le’Veon Bell, Eddie Lacy, Matt Forte and DeMarco Murray were four of the top five receiving backs last season. Going back to a year ago when Vereen was in that role, he picked up 52 catches on 77 targets during the regular season.
Lewis was also tough to take down. Both players have had far more success in their careers leading up to this season. If Belichick is able to find a reliable, consistent offensive line that improves the running game, the already effective passing game with benefit greatly.
Advertisement
As New England Patriots fans, we all know that while an 8-0 start is impressive, it’s not almost close to the lofty goals we have set for the team and they have set for themselves.
