PatsPropaganda

This is kind of a hot-button issue right now, with the general consensus (including me) being that Ridley is underused.  However, I do think that there’s a method to this madness of Ridley not being the every-down back.

It’s clear Ridley is the best running back the Pats have, and when Shane Vereen returns, they’ll have a potent 1-2 punch. Ridley has the most carries of any running back (92) despite missing a game, so it’s not like he’s totally being relegated to a secondary role. 

Here’s what else is playing into it, in my view…

The Pats use a passing down back and right now that is Brandon Bolden. Ridley, for whatever reason, is not viewed as a passing-down back. And that won’t change once Vereen returns. So in pass-heavy games you’re getting less Ridley.

The Patriots are not a “featured back” team. They like a rotation and specific guys for specific roles.

There’s also the long-term outlook where you want Ridley fresh for the playoff run. So I think there’s an element of managing his snaps for that reason as well.

And really, hasn’t Ridley been a great spark being used as he is? There’s no question the last few games he’s come into the game and ignited the Pats offense. 

I also think his early season ball security is still a concern and part of it is that he’s being managed to build up both his confidence and the team’s confidence in him.

So there are a number of things in motion with this situation. It’s undeniable that Ridley has a unique burst and has been arguably the best weapon on the Pats’ roster. LeGarrette Blount seems to feed off of Ridley’s energy, running better after Ridley loosens up the defense rather than before when Blount or Bolden start off the game.

We’ll see how it develops, but I’d anticipate things to continue like this for a few more games. Once Vereen returns, the running back roles will be a little clearer, but I still think that Ridley will be a big part of the offense down the stretch.

Honestly, I’d hold Talib out and get him the extra rest, let him take the bye week then get back into the flow against the Panthers in preparation for the showdown with the Broncos the next week.

Kelly was out of practice today so looks like he might’ve had a setback. It’s okay, get him an extra two weeks of rest as well.

But I do think Sopoaga steps right in and plays a sizable role, especially playing the Steelers.

Well, why limit it to next year? And what if Talib walks? Will it still be the “better than ever” defense? I try to follow a Belichickian code of blogging here…not getting too high or too low over the course of the season and especially not looking to next year when we’re in the middle of a campaign, but let’s talk 2014 for a second…

There’s no question the rookies who are playing a lot should all improve, and if Gronk gets a healthy offseason, he should be a beast next year, and I think Brady has another few years in him. Still there’s so many unknowns.

If the Pats peak at the end of the year and put together a strong playoff push/run despite all the injuries they’ve had, there’s no question they’ll be get a lot of love in the offseason given the guys they’ll get back.

But if they fade and the injuries catch up with them? There will be the injury excuse, but there will be plenty of questions about whether they have enough weapons, if Brady’s is almost done, etc.

So, let’s just enjoy this year for now. As always there will be plenty to talk about in 2014 about 2014.

Here it is. I still think it was the right call. Doesn’t look great right now, but this was a decision made with the next four seasons in mind, not just the start of the 2013 season. And you’re right, there have been so many other problems to deal with this season, keeping Welker was only delaying the inevitable.