Patriots Talk: A Dog Fight At Running Back
The Patriots are an interesting team because they make the most value out of their players but at the same time this opens up a lot of players that will not likely make the final 53 man roster. Bill Belichick has been one who will always have his full decision in when he knows for certain and right now, he is trying to create competition for each player to demonstrate their full abilities. The running back position this year is literally up for grabs as he had traded for running backs Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee (who returned to practice today and commented that he is feeling ‘at 100%’, so the heat is on for the team vs Detroit to see what he is capable of showing on Friday) this off season.
Bill Belichick said it best during his press conference on Sunday when asked how his thought process would be starting and how much time a player is given in the preseason.
“It could be a number of things, but I’d say the bottom line is we try to go through each player and each position and kind of have a rough idea of what our expectations are for that player during that particular game. Sometimes, Game 2 plays off of Game 1, so maybe somebody that didn’t get a chance to play in Game 1 plays more in Game 2 or vice versa. Sometimes you want to see different combinations of players. Again, at this time of year, all the players have played with all the other players at their position, so there really isn’t too much of that. But, sometimes it does give the coaches an opportunity to see how a certain group of players would work together – a certain group of linebackers or defensive backs or receivers, whatever the position is. So that could play into it, as well.”
Different Approaches Lead To Different Results
This is true as no matter what, each game a team will need to approach differently. Belichick has known this fact his whole coaching career dating back to his time in Cleveland. Each group of players at a certain position will need to be used in different ways that can demonstrate what a player’s approach will be when given the chance. All running backs are divided into categories like power backs, scat backs, receiving backs etc. Each player will have something to show. As of this writing the Patriots current Running Backs core consists of:
*RB/Fullback
With the exceptions of Gronkowski and Devlin, the running backs currently consist of seven players. Now so far, there hasn’t been enough fully shown so far to say who will be guaranteed a spot but many feel that Brandon Bolden will remain due to his ability on special teams, D.J. Foster has been shown to be a competitor so far James White and Dion Lewis have given their workload as well. Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee and Daniels Jr. are the only ones who still have a lot left to prove to get a spot on the roster. It’s clear that at least one or two of the players listed will not make the final cut.
Rex Burkhead Is Still Learning
Belichick included was asked on how newcomers like Burkhead were adjusting to his system within The Patriots offense.
“Rex has missed very little time. He’s basically been out there every day and we’ve worked with him in all areas of the game that we think he can contribute in, which is all three downs offensively and the four phases of special teams that he’s been involved with, from Day 1. And we do that with really all of our players. So, even though a player might not be first or second on the depth chart in a certain unit like a sub back or the punt team or goal line, whatever it happens to be, he might be fourth team or fifth team listed on the depth chart, but he’s in there and he’s learning those responsibilities.”
Despite what Belichick has stated here, it is evident that the Patriots are valuing Burkhead’s ability as a special teamer as well, which was clear from day 1; Burkhead a player that can do a little of everything. It is clear he is still trying gauge where he would feel Burkhead is best and Mike Gillislee is still trying to show what he can do. With Burkhead unlikely to make the Detroit game at Ford Field he will have a lesser chance to demonstrate his abilities which leaves the others to get the opportunity. Based on the current roster, I will predict that the team will likely have 6 running backs for the 53 man roster (majority of NFL teams carry about 4 but the team last season carried over 5). Glenn Gronkowski, D.J Foster and Daniels Jr. will likely not make the final cut and be put onto practice squad for this season.