Shane Vereen Will Be X-Factor for New England Patriots in Week 7
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Six short weeks ago, before the NFL season officially began, the talk around the New England Patriots was that running back Stevan Ridley was still a liability when it came to fumbles. There was even talk of Ridley being cut, despite his impressive running abilities.
Today, just four days after Ridley likely ended his season by what is rumored to be a torn ACL and MCL, the question I am constantly hearing asked around the city is “What will the Patriots do without Ridley?”
New England has a short week as they face the New York Jets tomorrow in prime time. With minimal time to prepare, the Patriots must turn to running back Shane Vereen, who will have to step up and attempt to fill the shoes of Ridley in a big way.
Vereen, a fourth-year veteran of the Patriots, has proven time and time again that he can be a star rusher; there is no questioning that, but he has never had to be the guy. While the Jets visiting Gillette Stadium may not be an overly exciting game based on record, the match-up is always a fun and competitive game that somehow, the Jets usually play beyond their skill in.
For Vereen, this means standing up to a ferocious defense. Despite their 1-5 record, the Jets are packing some serious heat on the defensive side of the ball, and whether your want to admit it or not, the New England offense, although playing well as of late, has had problems maintaining consistency. Vereen must put the offense on his shoulders if this Patriots team hopes to get the win they deserve against their AFC rival.
Kayleigh Hagenbuch is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.
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