The New England Patriots’ coaching staff is busy at work helping with the Shrine Bowl. They are also reportedly looking at a specific type of running back for the future.
New England reportedly wanted to coach scat-back type running backs. Those backs were assigned to New England’s West team, and the bigger backs were assigned to the East team, which is led by the Atlanta Falcons.
This would certainly be a departure from what New England has looked for in recent years at the position. Damien Harris is more of a physical running back, while Rhamondre Stevenson is an all-around back.
New England does have depth at the position. However, the depth is questionable in terms of injuries and experience. Ty Montgomery suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1, while rookie Pierre Strong Jr. had 10 carries but did not develop a permanent role in the backfield.
Interesting fodder from @ShrineBowl, Flacons coaching all the big RBs and Patriots coaching all the scat backs is by design. That’s what each organization wanted.
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) January 30, 2023
This could represent a style shift, as offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien takes over the unit.
Scat backs are becoming more prevalent in the NFL, as more teams gravitate towards offensive playmakers. New England’s work with them during the Shrine Bowl may give us a hint into what the organization’s draft plans are in April.
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