New England Patriots: Team spends big on running backs

The New England Patriots spend big on running backs. Why?

The New England Patriots are spending the 4th highest amount on their running back room in 2020 at this point. I’ve written about the running back stable previously, but it may be helpful to update that a bit now after that article.

The article also points out that the longest run from scrimmage by New England running backs (Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, etc.) last season was 33 yards. Not too impressive. At all.

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It means a defense doesn’t really have to worry about a big run and can concentrate on the pass. A disadvantage, to be certain.

A previous article talks about the running back room more extensively. This article centers on running the ball. One of the Patriots’ running backs is one of the best in the business at catching it. That’s the superlative James White. That could not go without saying.

Running the ball is still a major concern. Especially now, when you have a totally untested quarterback leading the offense. How can the Patriots get a critical yard or two on the ground? My view is, they still can’t.

So, what did they do to remedy that situation? Not much. They signed free agent Danny Vitale whom I like, but he’s more of a fullback at this point than a running back. Unless Vitale can do that, they have no one.

They drafted no running backs in April. And that includes no big running backs. I thought that was essential. The only thing they did was sign an undrafted free agent (whom I also happen to like, by the way). It was J.J. Taylor from Arizona.

I’ve written about him. He’s 5’5″ tall and weighs about 185 pounds. Not a big back, but who knows. I’m rooting for him.

But they didn’t add a big bruising back to help them get that yard or two to keep a drive alive or get a TD in close. They couldn’t do that last season, and it cost them.

In addition, they let the greatest quarterback sneak practitioner in NFL history, in my view, walk away. That would be one Tom Brady. So, again, how will they get a first down to keep a drive alive or a TD this season from a yard or two out on the ground?

So that’s a quick update on the running back situation for New England. My view, their hopes ride on a 5’5″ undrafted free agent running back from Arizona. That might not be the best situation.

In addition, when you’ve just let the best quarterback in NFL history go, your passing game is likely to get worse. That won’t help very much either.

dark. Next. Rodney Harrison bullish on Cam Newton

But, as they say, that’s why they play the games. We’ll see. So far, I’m not very impressed.

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