By Hal Bent
The New England Patriots are coming off a season in which the team finished in the top ten in the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season, building off of a solid 2012 season that saw running back Stevan Ridley break out as a potential star at running back. The Patriots in 2012 rushed for an average of 136.5 yards per game.
In 2013 the Patriots rushed for only 129.1 yards per game as they ran into issues with interior offensive line blocking and excessive fumbling by the running backs. However, that was still good for ninth in the NFL and allowed New England to make it to the AFC Championship game yet again. This year, the main ball-carrying duties were carried out by incumbent Stevan Ridley and young veteran LeGarrette Blount.
Running back LeGarrette Blount came to New England in a draft day trade with Tampa Bay. In exchange for sprinter Jeff Demps and a seventh round draft pick, the Patriots picked up Blount and revitalized his NFL career. The Patriots got 772 yards rushing from Blount and 773 yards rushing from Ridley in the regular season. They each scored seven touchdowns apiece.
With Blount and Ridley, the Patriots have a one-two punch that is hard to beat. Add in the shifty Shane Vereen and the Patriots have a trio of running backs capable of big plays and consistent play. Unfortunately, there is the issue that breaks up more teams than any other issue in the NFL: money.
Running back LeGarrette Blount is an unrestricted free agent this offseason with no guarantee of returning to New England....CLICK HERE FOR MORE: http://cover32.com/patriots/2014/02/11/should-the-pats-keep-blount-ridley-and-vereen/
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