The New England Patriots are putting a lot of faith in their rotation of running backs this season. Yes, Tom Brady can win games on his own, but the team's group of unproven wide receivers might make it difficult. The run game is normally an afterthought with the Patriots, but this year players like Stevan Ridley, LeGarrette Blount and Shane Vereen are seeing an increased workload that will carry on throughout the year.
The offseason saw a departure of many of the team's top playmakers. Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Aaron Hernandez are no longer on the field, paving the way for the ground game to get featured more. Vereen is very confident in the group the Patriots have. With four solid running backs on the roster, Brady might not be passing the ball as much.
"Collectively we're solid together and we feed off each other and go out there and work hard every day," Shane Vereen said, via the Boston Herald. "Everyone is different. Everyone brings their own personality. Everyone brings their own little food to the table, as you could say, so we all vibe off each other and connect pretty well."
Ridley is leading the way of the group. In his sophomore season, he compiled 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns. He matched Adrian Peterson in rushing touchdowns, while putting up the seventh highest rushing yards in the league. He is the ultimate ground weapon and with three rookie receivers and a rookie tight end likely to see a lot of playing time at the start of the year, his success is essential.
"I've got to work on all aspects of the game," Ridley said. "I'm never perfect. From running to catching to blocking, I have to do all three at my position. I have to improve on it all. That's the first mistake as a player, to get complacent with where you're at. For me, it's just trying to get better every day, and I know the coaches are going to push me to do that."
The running backs continue to carry the offense as top wide receiver Danny Amendola has officially been placed on the injury report. The team's top wide receiver missed a week of practice and has been limited this week due to a groin injury. Now, he will start Week One, but his amount of playing time is unknown.
Vereen is replacing third-down back Danny Woodheaded who headed out to San Diego. Blount is an aggressive rusher that thrives off of contract, while Bolden is a speedster. The group is unique and will add a whole different level to the Patriots' offense this year.