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After seeing a major dip in his workload with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year, the 26-year-old tailback was traded to the Patriots this offseason.
With that, Blount stepped into a running back corps still forming its identity. Stevan Ridley had a breakout campaign last season in claiming a primary role, and Shane Vereen proved his worth in spell time. But after them, it's wide open. (Photo: Mark Runyon | Football Schedule)
The Patriots signed former New York Jets utility man Leon Washington to more or less replace Danny Woodhead, and bruiser Brandon Bolden is still employed by the team, giving Blount direct competition for the tough-yardage role.
Blount is just happy to be part of the family.
“A lot of the guys are really close,” Blount said earlier this week, via Patriots.com. “They brought me in; we do a lot of things together. It’s nice to know that even though you’re the new guy, they take you in just like anyone else.”
Blount eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards his rookie season in 2010, scoring six touchdowns and averaging 5 yards a carry. His averaged dipped to 4.2 in 2011, but he still found the end zone five times. But in 2012, after the Bucs drafted Doug Martin, Blount essentially fell off the radar, getting just 41 rushing attempts.
Now in New England, he feels he has something to prove and has the running style to fit that mentality.
“I’m just a big, physical running back," Blount said. "Being the size I am, it’s good for me and the style I use to run the football. I’m a downhill, physical running back. Kind of old-school."
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