Of the Patriots' six running backs, three of them made significant contributions to the team's success this season.
LeGarrette Blount- His play during the regular season got the Patriots the top seed heading into the playoffs. During the regular season Blount had 18 touchdowns and 67 first downs. For the first time in a long time the Patriots had their leading rusher stay healthy for the entire season. While he would probably still like to have his Super Bowl fumble back, his dragging of the entire Steelers' defense will definitely make the playoff highlight films. Although he didn't gain many yards in the postseason he did score one touchdown and earned 8 first downs.
Dion Lewis- Lewis has still never lost a game while wearing a Patriots jersey. Still mending from last year's season ending injury, Lewis was active for the last 7 regular season games and the playoffs. In his first career playoff game Lewis scored touchdowns three different ways: reception, kickoff return and rushing. If not for his fumble that let Houston back into the game, that would have been the perfect game.
James White- In his three years in a Patriots uniform, White has had a couple of games where he filled in the stats sheet. In 2015 he had a 10 reception, 115 yard, one touchdown game against the Eagles. This season he had his first multi-touchdown game against the Bengals. While the running back does get most of his yards from his receiving game, those yards are really earned by his running ability. During the regular season he had 551 receiving yards and 540 yards after the catch. In the three playoff games this season, James had 7 rushing attempts resulting in 4 first downs and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 18 of 21 targets for 2 touchdowns and 7 first downs.
James White- In his three years in a Patriots uniform, White has had a couple of games where he filled in the stats sheet. In 2015 he had a 10 reception, 115 yard, one touchdown game against the Eagles. This season he had his first multi-touchdown game against the Bengals. While the running back does get most of his yards from his receiving game, those yards are really earned by his running ability. During the regular season he had 551 receiving yards and 540 yards after the catch. In the three playoff games this season, James had 7 rushing attempts resulting in 4 first downs and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 18 of 21 targets for 2 touchdowns and 7 first downs.
Brandon Bolden- The fifth year player didn't get a whole lot of touches on offense this season. He missed two games after injuring his knee against the Bills during week 4. This is the third year in a row where he has forced two fumbles on special teams.
James Develin- Develin was targeted 3 times in the postseason. He caught two of those passes, one for no gain on the Houston goal line and one for a 13 yard first down against Pittsburgh.
DJ Foster- The rookie was inactive most of the season. His regular season highlights both came against Ohio football teams: a 30 yard kickoff return against the Bengals and 6 rushing attempts against the Browns. Injured his left hamstring during mini-camp. Played 3 years of running back at Arizona State before switching to wide receiver his senior year. Practiced with the Patriot receivers in December. Looked so good in preseason that there was concern that the Patriots would have trouble having him clear waivers.
James Develin- Develin was targeted 3 times in the postseason. He caught two of those passes, one for no gain on the Houston goal line and one for a 13 yard first down against Pittsburgh.
DJ Foster- The rookie was inactive most of the season. His regular season highlights both came against Ohio football teams: a 30 yard kickoff return against the Bengals and 6 rushing attempts against the Browns. Injured his left hamstring during mini-camp. Played 3 years of running back at Arizona State before switching to wide receiver his senior year. Practiced with the Patriot receivers in December. Looked so good in preseason that there was concern that the Patriots would have trouble having him clear waivers.
CONTRACT SITUATIONS AND WHAT I THINK SHOULD HAPPEN-
LeGarrette Blount- Free Agent. Was on a one year contract for $1,000,000. Earned $750,000 in incentives. Should get a two year deal with a bonus and playing incentives. While I'm not usually one to pay someone for their past performance, after the way we threw money around at other running backs last season, it will be money well spent. The reason for two years and not one is that we don't have any running backs signed beyond next season.
Dion Lewis- Has one year left on his contract. Cap money= $1,487,500 Dead money= $200,000
James White- Has one year left on his contract. Cap money= $789,272 Dead money= $99,272
Brandon Bolden- Free Agent. Made $1,272,500 this season. Won't cost a lot, plays on special teams, has been able to fill in on offense when called upon= Sign Him
James Develin- Free Agent. Made $750,000 this season. No rush in resigning him. If we suddenly need a body in the middle of the season, he's just a phone call away.
DJ Foster- Has one year left on his contract. Cap money= $540,000 Dead money= $132,350
LeGarrette Blount- Free Agent. Was on a one year contract for $1,000,000. Earned $750,000 in incentives. Should get a two year deal with a bonus and playing incentives. While I'm not usually one to pay someone for their past performance, after the way we threw money around at other running backs last season, it will be money well spent. The reason for two years and not one is that we don't have any running backs signed beyond next season.
Dion Lewis- Has one year left on his contract. Cap money= $1,487,500 Dead money= $200,000
James White- Has one year left on his contract. Cap money= $789,272 Dead money= $99,272
Brandon Bolden- Free Agent. Made $1,272,500 this season. Won't cost a lot, plays on special teams, has been able to fill in on offense when called upon= Sign Him
James Develin- Free Agent. Made $750,000 this season. No rush in resigning him. If we suddenly need a body in the middle of the season, he's just a phone call away.
DJ Foster- Has one year left on his contract. Cap money= $540,000 Dead money= $132,350
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