TheoShmeo said:I hope the sentiment that Vereen is easily replaceable proves correct. But I find it to be somewhat ironic that on a board that routinely dismisses conclusions based on small sample sizes that one of the bases for the conclusion in this case is that the Pats have been able to replace Redmond, Faulk and Woodhead, which is not exactly a large sample.
But here's to Helu signing with the Pats, succeeding and adding to the impression that Vereen's position is easily filled.
Vereen's entire Patriots career is really a small sample size. He only played 16 games this past year yet was much more productive in 2013 when he only appeared in 8 games. Prior to that he was basically a spare part. The question becomes why was he more productive in 2013 and my guess is that it was bore out of necessity since the outside WR were Dobson and KT to go along with an injured Gronk. Only Edelman had more than 100 targets in 2013.
With Lafell/Edleman/Gronk (all +100 targets) and, to a lesser extent, Amendola/Wright in the fold Vereen saw his #'s per game drop dramatically.
Vereen was a useful piece but I don't think his rushing or rec #'s will be that hard to replace assuming the rest of the receiving core stays healthy (BIG IF).