Once again, the New England Patriots are on the receiving end of another bitter defeat. This time, however, they managed to put up double digits in points! Yet it was the first time they managed to do so in consecutive games since their November 5th defeat against the lowly (sorry) Washington Commanders.
Having struggled with the ground game this season, head coach and de facto GM (right now) of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick, has decided to bring in a somewhat familiar face to many football – and definitely ‘Tom Brady only’ fans – per Ian Rapoport:
The #Patriots are expected to sign former #Bucs RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn to their practice squad, sources said. Added depth from the former third-rounder.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2023
How Will This Add To The New England Patriots’ Running Game?
In their loss to the Chiefs, who suffered a HIGHLY controversial (although it really should not have been) and discussed loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, the Patriots ran for just 52 yards off of 16 carries, less than 3.5 yards per carry. This season, what was supposed to be a promising backfield duo of Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliot has turned into a mega disappointment for a team that wanted to get back to their roots establishing the running game.
The duo of Stevenson and Elliot have rushed for 619 and 522 yards respectively, for about 4 yards/carry apiece – which on the face of it looks ok – I guess – but in reality falls short of what many thought would be a top 10 RB tag-team in the NFL.
In addition, as the Patriots have been so abysmal – and are now firmly in the running for the first overall pick – many of the ground plays they would play would be in ‘garbage time’, or where they are firmly behind, and defenses are showing prevent coverage that often allows and welcomes 5-8 yard runs on 3rd and 457 – or whatever new hole Mac Jones has dug himself this time.
Whilst Ke’Shawn Vaughn has not exactly lit the world on fire, and will reportedly start on the practice squad, it does look like he might be able to provide some depth and oomph into a New England Patriots offense that is still sorely lacking life. Although, judging by his recent stat lines over the past few years – I don’t think Pats fans will be holding their breath.
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