New England Patriots Back-end of Roster Moves Highlight Their Weaknesses
By Hal Bent
RUNNING BACK:
Sep 13, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Tony Creecy (26) runs with the ball in the first half against the South Florida Bulls
at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Creecy is not a well known name, but the undrafted rookie free agent was recently signed by the New England Patriots. With starting running back LeGarrette Blount out of action with a knee injury, the Patriots need depth at the position. Jonas Gray–short of one spectacular game–is untested. At this time last season, Gray was as likely to make the roster as Creecy appears to be.
Head coach Bill Belichick had no problem bringing Gray down to earth after his 200 yard rushing game last year and is not going to simply hand him the starting job in week one (Blount is suspended for week one). While Brandon Bolden is the primary competition and Tyler Gaffney should get a shot to get a number of carries in the preseason, Creecy is actually more of a receiving back at just six-foot and 205 pounds.
At North Carolina State, Creecy had 75 receptions and displayed soft hands. With unproven second-year receiving back James White battling veterans Travaris Cadet and Dion Lewis, the signing of Creecy may be to send a message to the trio that the competition is far from over and someone needs to step up to replace Shane Vereen. This move seems to send the message to the receiving backs that so far the head coach has been unimpressed.
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