How the Patriots should fill in the void left by Ridley and Mayo

Photo courtesy of ESPN.com

The Patriots paid a hefty price for their win against Buffalo on Sunday. In one game, they managed to lose their between the tackles running back in Stevan Ridley and the heart and soul of the defense in Jerod Mayo. Whenever a team loses key pieces on both sides of the ball can be truly catastrophic. It would be like Seattle losing Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman or Houston losing Arian Foster and J.J. Watt. Unlike teams that suffer key injuries on both sides, the Patriots always find a way to fill the void left behind. Remember when our beloved Tom Brady went down and we still finished 11-5? Before you start to worry let's take a look at how the Pats may fill the void left by Ridley and Mayo.

Options to fill in for Ridley:


1.) Vereen gets the bulk of the carries

Running back Shane Vereen is a serviceable running back and thrives in passing situations. However, running between the tackles is not one of his strengths. The likelihood of this option seems to be very slim. The last time that I can recall the Patriots using an every down back was when Corey Dillon was in town. Not quite sure Vereen is durable and built to be the every down back. Vereen's snap count will increase but don't expect it to double.

2.) Backfield by committee

Coach Belichick will more than likely spread the wealth among his stable of running backs. As mentioned above, Vereen will see his workload increase. However, I expect the Patriots to try a few different combinations to see who is hungry for this chance. Attention Brandon Bolden, James White, and Jonas Gray, the job is yours for the taking. My gut tells me that Bolden, with his knowledge of the offense and running style will be the second back behind Vereen. Bolden will be on a very short leash in my opinion. Whoever steps in will have their work cut out for them as they face a tough Jets defensive line on a short week.

3.) Make some calls

Is it time to go to the Patriots rolodex of players and bring in a running back for a workout? I'd like to think so. Here are a list of names that the Pats should consider bringing in for a workout:

BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Here is a man that knows the system and isn't on Belichick's "you know what" list. The fans would love to have the "Law Firm" back in Foxboro. The real question is what kind of shape is BJGE in? Battling a hip injury and the team looking to go younger, Green-Ellis was released by the Cincinnati Bengals. BenJarvus is 29, still young by running back age standards and is available at a cheap price point. Plus he is a north & south runner that will fight for every yard. Given all these factors, this move would be a low risk high reward as long as Green-Ellis is healthy and in shape.

Michael Bush - The Patriots tried out Michael Bush before the start of the regular season. At 6-1. 245 pounds, Bush is a power running back with a similar running style as Ridley minus the speed. Despite his age (30), he can bring experience to a very young New England backfield. Like Green-Ellis, you have to be concerned about his health and shape. Once again, a player of Bush's caliber does not have to come at a hefty price tag.

Mikel Leshoure - This is my personal favorite as the replacement for Ridley. During the 2012 season, Leshoure started in 14 games for the Detroit Lions and had close to 800 yards and 9 touchdowns. LeShoure is a perfect mix of power and speed. In some ways, you would almost think he is a replica or carbon copy of Ridley. Plus he has some Vereen-esque qualities as a pass catching running back. He is 24 years old and seems to be hungry for an opportunity. In all honesty, I am not sure why nobody has snatched him up.


I anticipate that given the short week, the Patriots brass will roll with a backfield by committee and leverage what they already have. Hopefully, they will make a few calls and workout a few running backs.


Options to fill in for Mayo:

1.) D'onta Hightower

Feels like deja vu all over again. Patriots fans have heard the same sad song when Mayo was out last year. However, D'onta Hightower changed our melancholy tune into a more positive upbeat one. It seems like Hightower will be asked to this yet again. As long as Hightower isn't still battling a knee injury, I expect him to move in the vacant middle linebacker position. The only knock against Hightower is if he is mentally prepared to be the on field general for the defense. Plus, I am excited at the opportunity of seeing more of a 4-3 style defense. This all hinges upon the knee of Hightower.

2.) Deontae Skinner

The rookie from Mississippi State, showed us Sunday against the Bills that he can flat out make plays. Don't believe me? Ask Kyle Orton after he was sacked by Skinner. In all honesty, Skinner will probably be used at middle linebacker if Hightower cannot go this Thursday against the Jets. Otherwise, expect him to play on the outside opposite Jaime Collins. Just his presence on the field will be much needed despite where he ends up playing.

3.) Make some calls

Not going to go into great detail but there are some names out there that the Pats may want to consider:

Pat Angerer - Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Vilma - New Orleans Saints
Erin Henderson - Minnesota Vikings

Don't expect any signings because of the short week. Expect the Pats to shuffle around personnel.

I feel the need to remind everyone that we will be ok. Nobody bounces back from injuries better than the New England Patriots. Let's hope for a speedy recovery for Jerod Mayo and Stevan Ridley. Let's dominate the Jets!



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