New England Patriots Preview: Running Backs
By Varun Tekur
The Patriots Have One of the Most Eclectic Backfields in the NFL
This week, I will preview the Patriots running backs in the second of my 2016 New England Patriots positional previews. I previously discussed the team’s quarterbacks and will cover the team’s offensive line, wide receivers and tight ends, defensive line and linebackers, and defensive backs leading up to New England’s first preseason game. Earlier, I said that I would combine the running backs and their blockers, the offensive linemen, into one article. However, I have decided to split those two groups into two articles for more detailed analysis.
Although running backs have not been the focal point of New England’s offense in recent years due to the presence of legendary quarterback Tom Brady, they are an important element of the team. Every team benefits from tough running backs who grind through short-yardage situations and explode with big plays. In addition, pass catching running backs are weapons that the Patriots have especially liked to utilize. These shifty pass catchers can turn short passes into long gains with their elusiveness. As Tom Brady has aged, he has relied on quick passes rather than deep bombs, so a solid pass catching running back makes life easier for him. Getting production out of the running back group will be especially important this season because the Patriots are without Brady for the first four games of the season. If the running backs perform well, they will make Jimmy Garoppolo’s job easier during the first four NFL starts of his life.
Running Backs Currently on Patriots Roster: LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden, Donald Brown, D.J. Foster, Tyler Gaffney, Joey Iosefa, Dion Lewis, James White
The team returns its most valuable running backs from last season, as well as adding some intriguing new faces. LeGarrette Blount has been the team’s main short yardage back, as he is a 6-1, 245 lb bruiser. Last season, he ran for 703 yards and 6 touchdowns with a 4.3 yards per attempt average in 12 games. His 2015 season was cut short due to an injured hip, but he has had lots of time to recover since then.
Although he is not an elite running back, he has had a few huge games in his Patriots career during which he completely dominated the game. However, he is usually utilized to keep the ball moving on drives while giving the quarterbacks a break and to chew the clock at times when the Patriots are blowing out other teams. Don’t expect Blount to take over many games by himself, but expect him to be able to keep the offense moving with many 2 to 5 yard carries and the occasional long, explosive run. When Blount is able to accelerate in the open field, he can really barrel through defenders.
Blount is currently 29 years old, and running backs tend to slow down around age 30, so the Patriots should keep their eyes open to look for another short-yardage back to fill Blount’s role in the future. If Joey Iosefa shows improvement, perhaps the Patriots could use him in more short yardage situations. He ran for 51 yards on 15 carries in 2 games last year, but his build is very similar to Blount’s (6-0, 245 lb).
Another intriguing running back option for the Patriots is Donald Brown. Brown was a popular fantasy waiver-wire pickup in 2013 when he played for the Colts, as he ran for 537 yards on just 102 carries (5.3 yards per attempt) during that season.
After signing with the Chargers in 2014, he has been given less carries and has seen his production drop by posting yards per attempt averages of 2.6 and 3.9 in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The Patriots provide him with a fresh new start, and if he plays well, he has a shot at being the backup short yardage back behind Blount. He also has a decent chance of getting cut from the team, as the Patriots will most likely only carry 4 or 5 running backs on their regular season roster.
Two of these five running backs will are likely going to be pass catching running backs. Thankfully, the team possesses Dion Lewis to be one of these pass catcher. Lewis seemingly came out of nowhere and took the NFL by storm last year, rushing for 234 yards on 49 carries (4.8 yds/att) and catching 36 passes for 388 yards. He only played 7 games in 2015, however, as a torn ACL against the Redskins ended his season.
If Lewis can fully recover from his ACL tear, he can add another dynamic element to the Patriots offense.
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Lewis’ style of play relies heavily upon agility, quickness, and lateral movements, and ACL tears are known to take away from these abilities. Despite this, there have been numerous running backs who have recovered from ACL tears to produce pro bowl seasons, such as Jamaal Charles. By performing like he did last year, Lewis can make New England’s offense almost unstoppable. Imagine having to worry about defending the speedy Lewis, slot receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, and hulk-sized tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett. Oh, and I forgot to mention that after week 4, the these players should be catching passes from the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady.
If Lewis needs rest, James White is another talented pass catcher out of the backfield. He took over Lewis’ role after Lewis’ ACL tear, and although he wasn’t as explosive as Lewis, he did catch 40 passes for 410 yards and 4 touchdowns. He had only a slightly lower yards per catch average (10.3) than that of Lewis (10.8), showing that White is still a great option to use as a pass catcher despite not being as elusive as Lewis. The main problem with White is that he is not as talented of a runner as Lewis. The Patriots were reluctant to give him carries last year, as he ran for only 56 yards on 22 carries in 14 games. However, as long as Lewis is healthy, New England won’t need to give White carries and can allow him to use his talents to turn short passes into longer gains.
D.J. Foster, an drafted rookie out of Arizona State, is another running back who can act as a receiver. He played running back from 2012-2014, but changed positions to become a wide receiver in 2015. Last year, he caught 59 passes for 584 yards and rushed for 280 yards on 55 carries (5.1 yds/att).
He is listed as a running back on the Patriots roster, and brings unique experience to the team having spent a year lining up in the slot as well as having experience out of the backfield. If his pass catching ability translates to the NFL level of play and he is a better runner than James White, he could end up making the team over White. Or, both could show enough skill to make the team. The D.J. Foster vs James White training camp battle will be interesting to keep an eye on.
Tyler Gaffney is entering the year having spent the last two seasons on injured reserve, so he has a lot to prove is he wants to make the team.
Finally, Brandon Bolden was one of the team’s best special teams players last year. Although he isn’t an amazing runner or receiver, he is decent at both roles as a jack-of-all trades and can step in when others need rest or are injured. This ability and special teams plays like this will help him keep a spot on the team.
This should be an exciting year for the Patriots running backs during which the usual players can shine and new talents can be discovered.
Next: Patriots Wide Receivers: Hogan or Washington?
Keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions for only the best New England Patriots coverage, and look out for my next preview of the Patriots offensive line.