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In my positional breakdown of the New England Patriots, I ranked the team’s units from worst to first as we head into training camp. One of the Patriots’ main goals in 2015 is to be a more effective power running team. In the 10 positional groupings, I rated the running backs sixth. Think of it as a solid, but not spectacular unit that certainly has some questions as the Patriots begin their title defense.
In 2014, the Patriots had sporadic success running inside. According to Pro Football Outsiders, the Patriots ranked 25th in efficiency on inside runs despite running behind the center and guards on 54 percent of their attempts.
With reinforcements brought in to bolster the interior of their offensive line, the Patriots hope the line can provide the needed push up front. If so, the Patriots should be able to overpower teams with their numerous power backs and take even better advantage of play-action passing.
Along with presumed starter LeGarrette Blount, the Patriots also have hard-charging runners Brandon Bolden, Jonas Gray and Tyler Gaffney, who all excel while lowering their pads and pounding the football between the tackles.
Blount, 6-foot, 250 pounds, has good feet for a big back and has the ability to bounce runs to the outside. However, if the Pats can open creases in the middle, Blount can wear out defenses and become a headache for linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks.
Gray had a career game rushing for 201 yards and four touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts. Then he was late for a meeting and barely saw the field the rest of the season. At 5-foot-10, 225 pounds, Gray doesn’t possess Blount’s speed, but he likes to pick his way through the middle and finishes runs well with good forward lean.
Bolden is an underrated asset for the Pats. He’s great on special teams and has shown the ability to play with power and finesse. At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, Bolden could be a lead back, but I think the Patriots value his versatility and don’t want to overuse the four-year veteran out of Mississippi.
Another wild card is Gaffney, who was claimed off waivers after being injured during training camp with the Carolina Panthers. Gaffney is an extremely tough runner who moves piles and, like Gray, finds small creases to maximize runs.
If the Pats’ front can improve its run blocking, it could also mean more time for fullback James Develin, who is a good blocker and receiver.
While the strength of this group of backs is power, the biggest question that needs to be answered in training camp is who will take over Shane Vereen’s role as the team’s third-down back?
Vereen will be extremely difficult to replace. He was one of Tom Brady’s biggest weapons all season and really turned it up during the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl title. Vereen, who had 77 receptions during the regular season and 18 more in three playoff games, created a weekly mismatch as opposing teams had trouble matching up with his versatility. He ran inside, outside, caught the ball out of the backfield and even lined up wide as a receiver.
The candidates to battle for the role are Travaris Cadet and James White. Cadet was signed this offseason after spending three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. White is back for a second season with the Patriots after being inactive for the majority of his rookie campaign.
While many favor White to win the job, I think Cadet will surprise. Cadet has a little more wiggle, and showed flashes of being a top third-down option when given the opportunity with the Saints. While sharing duties, Cadet managed 38 receptions for 296 yards in 2014. Dion Lewis is another possibility who will look to challenge White and Cadet in training camp.
If none of the top candidates stand out, the Pats could look to Bolden to take over the role. He has the ability to be a three-down back and also has proven to be a pretty good receiver while subbing in when Vereen was out in 2013.
If the interior offensive line can show improvement, New England’s power backs are good enough to become one of the more efficient units in the NFL. However, the competition to monitor is the critical battle for the third-down role.
Other Positional Breakdowns
10. Cornerback
9. Defensive Tackle
8. Safety
7. Offensive Line
Nick Sardina is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Nick onTwitter @nicksardina13, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
