Ridley, Belichick move on from fumbling issues
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| AP Photos |
The Patriots offense exploded in their 55-31 route against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Joining in the fun was running back Stevan Ridley, who's playing time was reduced over the past few games supposedly for his issue with fumbling. After some weeks of being low key, Ridley was let loose against the Steelers. The RB rushed 26 times for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns. Though he had a great game, there was one play where Ridley's fumbling issues were exposed again as he was stripped by Troy Polamalu. After the game, head coach Bill Belichick spared Ridley of the expected scorning:
"I thought Stevan did a good job. It was really a tremendous play by Polamalu," Belichick said. "Stevan caught his ball with his back to the defender. As he turned, Troy came in there and instead of making a tackle he was able to dislodge the ball. He anticipated Ridley turning up and Troy made a good play on it. I don't think Stevan really had much of a chance to do anything but turn.
"Sometimes turnovers are a result of real good defensive plays. Sometimes they're a result of sloppy plays offensively. I would, unfortunately, have to credit that one to Polamalu. He made a great play and that's one of those things you have to live with."
Belichick went on to continue praising Ridley's hard running and effort. As for Ridley himself, the young running back was just grateful for the opportunity that he was presented and focused on keeping his head up despite the fumble:
''The ball was on the ground. That was definitely the low of my night for sure,'' he said. ''For the coaches to stick with me, and ride it out, it said a lot. I think my team, really, everybody’s made their mistakes at different times. That’s something I’ve had to work on, and focus on ever since I’ve been here.
''But for me, I just couldn’t hang my head,'' he went on. ''It wasn’t time for me to hang my head. It was time for me to go and try to close that game out. Because that’s what our team needed me to do. And that’s really what I did. I just leaned on my offensive line, and they made creases for me in there the whole night.''
The first half of this season has been one of promise yet disappointment for Ridley thus far. After rushing for over 1,000 yards last season there is no doubt that he is this team's feature running back. Ridley has played fairly well with flashes of greatness, but his play time has been reduced because of said fumbling issue. If he can reduce the fumbling then the coaches will be more comfortable with him carrying the ball. Less fumbling equals more playing time for Ridley, plain and simple.
Stats via NFL.com
Anthony Aidonidis
@aidonidis18
