2013 Over/Under: Stevan Ridley yards

Over/Under 1,000 yards (Regular Season)

Prediction- Over 1300 yards

Last season, starting running back Stevan Ridley proved to the Patriots that he was a reliable running back by accumulating 1,263 yards on 290 carries and also scoring 12 rushing touchdowns. This season I think Ridley will further improve and top the 1,300 yard mark. He has better players around to push him, especially in the running back corps. Shane Vereen will be looking for more playing time as a flex player and could also see time as a third down back. Newcomers Leon Washington and LaGarrette Blount as well as second year running back Brandon Bolden, will all be fighting for a roster spot and whichever of those three make the roster will be looking for playing time.

Ridley is arguably the best running back to play for the Pats since Corey Dillon. No disrespect to priors such as BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk, but Dillon gave the Patriots a legitimate threat on the ground which made the Patriots offense so much more dynamic. I think with the unproven talent at the wide receiver position this season, the Patriots will rely heavily on Ridley to gain yards up the field.


What do you guys think? Does Ridley improve from last season's totals or does he take a step back with the improved running back corps? Let us know in the comments below and @PatriotsLife

Michael Husson
@HussBus59