New England Patriots: Revisiting Preseason Predictions
By Hal Bent
RUNNING BACK SITUATION SORTING ITSELF OUT:
I SAID THEN:
With the news of veteran running back Donald Brown having been released (with an injury settlement) it appears to indicate that the competition at the position is all but over. Originally having thought to be fighting for a roster spot, veteran starter LeGarrette Blount has come back strong from the hip injury that ended his 2015 season prematurely…With Dion Lewis likely opening the season on the PUP list, that means the maddeningly inconsistent James White will be in the third-down receiving back role when the season starts…One big play has been the only thing that has separated Tyler Gaffney from the pack as his 44-yard touchdown run versus New Orleans in preseason game one stands out.
However, outside of that touchdown run he has just 51 yards on 19 carries in the preseason…With fullback James Develin back at full strength from the gruesome broken leg he suffered last preseason, he should be on track to grab a roster spot. His blocking has been spot-on in the preseason so far. His only competition for the last spot has been Joey Iosefa and undrafted free agent DJ Foster. Iosefa has done little to standout and Foster has spent much of the summer out with a hamstring injury.
I SAY NOW:
Develin has been a consistent contributor in a rejuvenated rushing attack in New England. Iosefa was a camp body who had little chance of sticking, so that is two-for-two. Foster caught on over Gaffney (who is on the practice squad) and although inactive much of the season, Foster received full pay when temporarily on the practice squad and has shown enough to be kept on the roster.
Some harsh words from regarding James White. White has come on strong and earned a role in his third season. White rushed for just 166 yards but upped his average to 4.1 yards per attempt. In the passing game he stepped up with 60 catches for 551 yards and five touchdowns. He has been a legitimate mismatch scaring opposing defenses when he splits out wide.
Gaffney was an early favorite in training camp who washed out (see: Jonas Gray). By week three I was impressed with Blount–but no one saw him scoring 18 touchdowns. His return has been phenomenal and underscores what a different team the Patriots are with him (and Dion Lewis).