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New England Patriots: Making an offense of former Patriots

By Luke O'Brien

Sep 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; A general view of Gillette Stadium prior to the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Massachusetts Minutemen. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; A general view of Gillette Stadium prior to the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Massachusetts Minutemen. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Oct 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) exits the field after their loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Soldier Field. Jaguars won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterbacks

Starter – Brian Hoyer (49ers)

Backup – Matt Cassel (Titans)

3rd String – Ryan Mallett (Ravens)

Cut in camp – Garrett Gilbert (Panthers)

Some might argue that Mallett has the bigger upside, but to be honest, I don’t trust him enough.  Hoyer is my guy as he has proven he can win on numerous occasions.  He might be a flawed player, but he is a game manager that can win games in the NFL.  Cassel is my experienced backup that could start in a pinch.  Gilbert is by far the weakest of the three and misses out.

Running Backs

Starter – Shane Vereen (Giants)

Backup – Danny Woodhead (Ravens)

3rd String – Travaris Cadet (Saints)

4th String/Special Teams – Bishop Sankey (Vikings)

Cut in camp – Trey Williams (Steelers)

The eagle-eyed among you will notice that we have three passing backs with no obvious between the tackles runner.  Unfortunately with Sankey being the only semi-legitimate traditional runner we will have to look to pass 50-55 times per game.  Vereen and Woodhead are starting caliber players in their roles with Cadet serving as a capable backup after a somewhat resurgent year in San Francisco.  Trey Williams is the odd man out here due to his lack of experience and production.

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