PatsPropaganda

Despite the injuries on defense, there’s a lot to feel good about, especially in the long term. The foursome you mentioned are really having impressive years and that has helped them overcome the losses of Wilfork and Mayo.

The injuries have also forced them to rely on some young defensive tackles and developing that kind of depth will be a big plus down the road. Chris Jones especially is just the kind of player I’ve wanted to add to this defense for a couple years now. He might be the best interior rusher on the roster, including Wilfork and Kelly.

There’s no question the defense is just playing at a higher overall level than they have since 2009. Part of that is the young guys getting experience and part of it is that they just have more talent in key spots. If they can bring back Talib, add some talent at defensive tackle in case Wilfork doesn’t come back as the same player we all remember him as, they’ll be well set for the next few years.

In theory it should be huge. He was their only real threat catching passes from the backfield going into this season, and while everyone was ready to dub him the next superstar, it’s hard to ignore that he does have an injury history. Hopefully he can stay healthy once he comes back.

There really isn’t a #1 back in the Patriots system. I think there will be games where you see Vereen in there a lot due to a pass-heavy attack, but there will also be games where we see more of Ridley. Will just depend on the matchup.

The more interesting question is who’s snaps get reduced more – Brandon Bolden or LeGarrette Blount. Probably looks like Bolden since he has been the passing down back.

Another question is how well Vereen can pass protect, because if he can do a solid job at that, the sky’s the limit for how much he can add to this offense. With his speed and pass-catching ability you almost need to cover him with a cornerback. Thus it will allow the Pats to have another key piece to dictate matchups with.

Get Vereen on a linebacker and he could go to the house like he did against the Jets on Thanksgiving last year. To put it simply there is no one with the skillset and talent that Vereen has currently on the roster. Maybe if Woodhead was still around you could say he’s a suitable replacement, but Brandon Bolden just doesn’t excel as a pass-catching back. He can do it okay and has been a serviceable fill-in, but Vereen is a weapon, and his impact upon return should be immediate.