Rex Burkhead

[FootballDad]

With only 121 career touches (87 rushing attempts, 74 of which came last season, and 34 receptions) in his four seasons, Burkhead is still somewhat of an unknown commodity who has shown flashes when given the opportunity.

Of course when some melanin-enhanced individual has not had very many touches, or has just plain sucked during their first four years in the league, we are reminded of what a god that they were in college, whether they were or not. Rex "The Unknown Commodity" Burkhead truly was the best player on the field the majority of his time with the Cornhuskers and their is no shortage of highlight footage.

 

[Thrashen]

With Blount signing with the Eagles, Rex's competition will be James White, Dion Lewis, and Mike Gillislee.

Burkhead (1-yr, $3.5 million) and Gillislee (2-yr, $6.4 million) make a very similar annual salary, so it's difficult to say who'll they'll favor. Rex is far more versatile and was the team's top priority at RB in free agency.

 

[Don Wassall]

This is what Fantasy Sharks, a popular fantasy football site, projects for Rex Burkhead in 2017:

202 yards rushing, 1 touchdown; 13 receptions for 108 yards and no receiving touchdowns

This is the projection for Mike Gillislee:

871 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns; 15 receptions for 130 yards and 1 TD.

I'll be shocked if this isn't way off the mark. Rex is one of New England's several "secret weapons," along with Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola (if injuries result in his playing a lot). I see fantasy players predictably loading up on Gillislee thanks to Fantasy Sharks and other fantasy know nothing sites while Rex is a dirt cheap pick-up. DWFs take so long to learn. . .

 

[Silence Dogood]

Most of the cucked pundits say Gilisee (however you spell it) is going to be the Patriots go to guy, with little mention of Rex

Burkhead is going to lead the Pats in rushing, and be a huge factor in the passing game.

The league can't stand a white RB being anything close to being a starter.

 

[SneakyFast]

This is what Fantasy Sharks, a popular fantasy football site, projects for Rex Burkhead in 2017:

202 yards rushing, 1 touchdown; 13 receptions for 108 yards and no receiving touchdowns

This is the projection for Mike Gillislee:

871 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns; 15 receptions for 130 yards and 1 TD.

I'll be shocked if this isn't way off the mark. Rex is one of New England's several "secret weapons," along with Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola (if injuries result in his playing a lot). I see fantasy players predictably loading up on Gillislee thanks to Fantasy Sharks and other fantasy know nothing sites while Rex is a dirt cheap pick-up. DWFs take so long to learn. . .

Gillislee is not going to get more carries than Burkhead in the atypical Patriot RB committee. Rex could get hot and stay hot but we all know Bill doesn't over use RB's much and saves them. Rex also with Brady being a little bit older will have more receptions if everything goes as planned I see him getting to 200 carries and 20-30 receptions The patriots do about 450-500 team carries a year. Ol Mike is going to run 300 of them for 871? lol Don't think so. Rex might have at least around half the team carries aka around 200 in my eyes. They have Dion Lewis ahead of him in carries and yards. I don't see that at all. Or Gillislee being featured like that. Bill will split up the playing time to even it out like hes done many times before.

 

[Don Wassall]

Blount had 1,161 yards rushing last year to go with his league leading 18 TDs. Corey Dillon was heavily used, so Belichick does give runners heavy workloads at times. I'm hoping that Burkhead being a strong runner and receiver (and pass protector) may translate into a heavy workload, at least in some games as the Patriots always adjust to the flow of a game in how they use the run and the pass.

 

[Leonardfan]

Rex is basically an unknown commodity. He was sparingly used during his tenure with the Bengals and was thought of more as a 3rd down RB/slot guy. In his limited snaps he showed more than enough to warrant more touches - he is a combination of the bengals two current backs - Bernard and Hill and the bengals chose to keep those two bums around to fill up two roster spots rather than let Rex fill both roles - a really stupid and caste based decision. When they let Rex walk in FA they decided to get white women beater Mixon in the draft who due to black privilege will probably get more touches in the first 8 games of the season than Burkhead got during his whole tenure with the team.

As for the gillislee ******** - I'm sorry but besides being black their is nothing special about the guy. He played in a run heavy Buffalo offense. One would think the cucked sports media would figure out that the Patriots will use white players and they will thrive and excel.

 

[Ambrose]

Rex's versatility and play adaptability may be best for his cause -and he has explosive take off speed. With Brady any play is possible so we ought to expect plays that look like a run turning into a pass, or a fake of either. As if teams didn't already have enough to try and stop all of those other gurus on the team. It is still a wonderment [not really]how almost no other team in the league tries to emulate the most successful team ever?????

 

[SneakyFast]

Blount had 1,161 yards rushing last year to go with his league leading 18 TDs. Corey Dillon was heavily used, so Belichick does give runners heavy workloads at times. I'm hoping that Burkhead being a strong runner and receiver (and pass protector) may translate into a heavy workload, at least in some games as the Patriots always adjust to the flow of a game in how they use the run and the pass.

I'm referring to the all of Bill's reign in NE two backs usually split the carries and Lewis is not #1 or #2. Burkhead and Gillislee will split the carries and imo and Burkhead will have more 2013-2014, 2011, 2008, 2007 specifically if Bill has 3 he splits among 3, if he has four he splits among 4 of course with a heavy 150-200 carries guy. but in 2 of those years specifically 2006 Dillion and Blount had 199-175 apiece. I see something like that happening with Burk and Gillislee, IMO. 2 backs getting the bulk of the carries.

 

[Silence Dogood]

Blount had 1,161 yards rushing last year to go with his league leading 18 TDs. Corey Dillon was heavily used, so Belichick does give runners heavy workloads at times. I'm hoping that Burkhead being a strong runner and receiver (and pass protector) may translate into a heavy workload, at least in some games as the Patriots always adjust to the flow of a game in how they use the run and the pass.

Dillon was heavily used in 2004, because the WR-corps was sub standard. The run-blocking that year was phenomenal though, and they got every ounce of talent out of Dillon he had left. BB is good at that.

Comparing Rex to Dillon or LeBlunt is unfair though, because both of them were big backs. Dillon was 6'1 and got as high as 230, and Blunt is 6 and 250 if he's an ounce. Rex is average sized for a tailback, and you know the black defenders will do everything they can to hurt him, given the opportunity.

 

[Don Wassall]

Dillon was heavily used in 2004, because the WR-corps was sub standard. The run-blocking that year was phenomenal though, and they got every ounce of talent out of Dillon he had left. BB is good at that.

Comparing Rex to Dillon or LeBlunt is unfair though, because both of them were big backs. Dillon was 6'1 and got as high as 230, and Blunt is 6 and 250 if he's an ounce. Rex is average sized for a tailback, and you know the black defenders will do everything they can to hurt him, given the opportunity.

I'm not comparing Rex to Dillon and Blount as far as size, but those two were one-dimensional backs, runners not receivers, whereas Burkhead can do it all and therefore the possibility is there (as opposed to probability) for him to be used heavily at least at times if he's running as well or better than their other backs and receiving as well or better than the other backs.

 

[Don Wassall]

The hive also immediately branded Rex as the new Brandon Boldin until the details of his contract became known. I love how they have instantly and unanimously have buried him behind the legendary Mike Gillislee. Gillislee is being paid 3.2 mil this season, Rex will make 3.15 mil, hardly a significant difference. Rex had 74 rushes last year, Gillislee had 101. Performance is what will matter in the New England backfield. Does any objective observer seriously think Gillislee is a better all-around running back than Rex Burkhead? Astute fantasy football players will take a chance on Rex.

Patriots' Rex Burkhead: Likely behind Gillislee for carries

Burkhead is less likely than fellow free-agent acquisition Mike Gillislee to help fill the void created by LeGarrette Blount's departure, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss reports.

It seemed Burkhead might be headed for big things when the Patriots signed him to a one-year, $3.15 million contract in March, but the team then added Gillislee on a two-year, $6.4 million contract a month later, further bolstering a backfield that already had James White and Dion Lewis (hamstring). While Burkhead did average 4.6 yards on his 74 carries last season, he mostly made his mark as a special teams player and pass blocker during his four seasons in Cincinnati. (Thanks to Marvin X and his bias against White players.) Given that Gillislee averaged 5.7 yards and scored eight touchdowns on 101 carries with the Bills last season, the former Bengal may find himself with a role not all that different from the one he had with his old team. The size of the contract does suggest that the Patriots at least have plans to occasionally involve Burkhead in the offense. (Caste bullcrap speak)

http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/fo...burkhead-likely-behind-gillislee-for-carries/

 

[Don Wassall]

It would be great if Dion Lewis is cut. That would leave James White as a part-time receiving back and leave the rest of the touches to Burkhead and Gillislee. As cynical as watching the Caste System for 35 years has made me, I still have a good feeling about Rex this season. I think he's going to get a lot more touches than the media and DWFs think he will as they all instantly defaulted to Gillislee as the main back when he was signed.

I was looking at some scouting reports of Gillislee coming out of Florida and he was seen at best as part of a running back committee in the NFL, not a featured back. He's also only a few pounds heavier than Burkhead yet the hive media line is that Gillislee will assume the Lagarrette Blount power back role while Burkhead is usually lumped in with Lewis and White as a scatback. Of course when Burkhead was first signed the party line was that he would only be a special teams player, until the details of his contract came out. I'd like nothing better than to see the media eat as much crow as Marvin X and the rest of the NFL this year.

Kevin Dillon of Mass Live believes Dion Lewis' roster spot could be in danger. The Patriots certainly made it seem like they are ready to move on from Lewis by signing Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee while extending James White through 2020. Lewis only costs $1.3 million this year, however, and is an electric playmaker when healthy. It is not out of the question New England moves on, especially if he struggles with injuries in camp, but it is more likely Lewis sticks on the roster as a situational weapon. Unfortunately, that role is unlikely to return much fantasy value.

 

[white lightning]

The hive also immediately branded Rex as the new Brandon Boldin until the details of his contract became known. I love how they have instantly and unanimously have buried him behind the legendary Mike Gillislee. Gillislee is being paid 3.2 mil this season, Rex will make 3.15 mil, hardly a significant difference. Rex had 74 rushes last year, Gillislee had 101. Performance is what will matter in the New England backfield. Does any objective observer seriously think Gillislee is a better all-around running back than Rex Burkhead? Astute fantasy football players will take a chance on Rex.

Patriots' Rex Burkhead: Likely behind Gillislee for carries

Burkhead is less likely than fellow free-agent acquisition Mike Gillislee to help fill the void created by LeGarrette Blount's departure, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss reports.

It seemed Burkhead might be headed for big things when the Patriots signed him to a one-year, $3.15 million contract in March, but the team then added Gillislee on a two-year, $6.4 million contract a month later, further bolstering a backfield that already had James White and Dion Lewis (hamstring). While Burkhead did average 4.6 yards on his 74 carries last season, he mostly made his mark as a special teams player and pass blocker during his four seasons in Cincinnati. (Thanks to Marvin X and his bias against White players.) Given that Gillislee averaged 5.7 yards and scored eight touchdowns on 101 carries with the Bills last season, the former Bengal may find himself with a role not all that different from the one he had with his old team. The size of the contract does suggest that the Patriots at least have plans to occasionally involve Burkhead in the offense. (Caste bullcrap speak)

http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/fo...burkhead-likely-behind-gillislee-for-carries/

I tend to agree with you Don. If Rex was on any other team I wouldn't have much hope but because he is in New England he will play as long as he is productive. "Trex" has always been a stud at every level and he will get it done on the ground and through the air/catching passes out of the backfield. He also is an outstanding blocker. So the Coach and players will love him. Rex Burkhead is and always has been a winner on and off the field. Can't wait to see him in a Pats Uniform!

 

[chris371]

I actually liked Dion Lewis as he is a very fast scatback ( i like the idea of Brady having as many weapons on Offense as possible to take some of the defensive attention away from Gronk et al.) However if rex takes this role, thats even better Dion Lewis reminded me a bit of Woody who was an excellent speed back.

 

[Thrashen]

In his two seasons with the Pats, Lewis has missed 18 out of 32 games due to injury. He also missed numerous games as a member of the Eagles. I agree that he has some talent, but it would really help Rex if one of the black RB (Gillislee, White, or Lewis) was cut, traded, or injured. I don't think the Pats will part ways with Lewis, as he's a quality receiving back and would be quickly signed by another team, possibly an AFC-based opponent.

 

[chris371]

Lewis isDefinitely not the most durable Player... im hoping for a big season for rex and that gronk stays healthy!

 

[Don Wassall]

I like the caption on this picture of Rex -- "Perry's prediction: Rex will play more snaps than any other Pats RB." I agree, he is easily the most skilled all-around back on the Patriots.

Pats make quite the catch in Rex Burkhead
By Mike Giardi

FOXBORO -- Trying to cover Rex Burkhead here in training camp is a little like trying to catch a bee with a fishing net. Not impossible, but not likely either.

Just ask linebacker Elandon Roberts or safety Brandon King. Both had the unenviable task of trying to corral the quick Burkhead during one-on-one pass catching drills Thursday. Both found themselves looking quite foolish. That continues a week-long trend here at Patriots training camp -- Number 34 getting into space and creating even more.

“I’m trying to reach the expectations every day of excellence,” Burkhead said, as if he just created a slogan for the back of a t-shirt.

Burkhead broke into the league five years ago with the Cincinnati Bengals. He earned his way by being an ace special-teams player, but eventually saw an increase in his role offensively a season ago, both running and catching the football. Word is Burkhead was chased by Bill Belichick and Bill Belichick alone. You can see why, with the Pats wanting to create even more uncertainty for opposing defenses.

“Hopefully, this year, we’ll have a little more balance between the running game and passing game,” Belichick said. “Again, [the departed LeGarrette Blount] was primarily a runner. He didn’t have a lot of receiving production. The reverse is true of James White. So hopefully with our backs this year we’ll have a little more balance and be a little less predictable from that spot.”

That’s one of many areas where Burkhead can factor in.

“It’s something growing up, my dad -- he was a coach, he played football -- he always told me, ‘You can’t be a one-dimensional player. You’ve have to be able to catch the ball as well,’ ” Burkhead said. “It’s always been something I’ve taken pride in. I want to make sure I can do it well.”

The Pats haven’t been shy about trying Burkhead in short yardage situation down at the goal line either. Running backs coach Ivan Fears is on record saying the team needs to find it’s power back and while Mike Gilislee is probably the lead dog in that area, Burkhead is bigger than you think, right around 210 pounds. That’s not Blount beef, but that doesn’t mean the Texas native can’t get it done.

“Find the creases and see the reads. You don’t want to have your head up with a guy 50 pounds or 100 pounds bigger than you, so you try to find those creases where you can really lower your pads and get on in there,” adding, “I can fit through some cracks that some normal - or bigger backs - can’t get through.”

If Burkhead keeps showing up and showing out in every practice, he’ll get plenty of opportunities to impact the Pats in all facets and pay off Belichick’s faith in him.

http://www.csnne.com/new-england-patriots/new-england-patriots-make-quite-catch-rex-burkhead

 

[Thrashen]

Sources seem to believe that Burkhead is "on track" to be the starter on opening day...

http://www.providencejournal.com/sp...-on-track-for-lead-role-in-patriots-backfield

Even if he's not the starter, he'll certainly be heavily involved, especially if injuries occur.

 

[Don Wassall]

The rest of the league is still afraid to "copycat" the offense of the far and away superior organization.

Pats make quite the catch in Rex Burkhead

by Mike Giardi

Trying to cover Rex Burkhead here in training camp is a little like trying to catch a bee with a fishing net. Not impossible, but not likely either.

Just ask linebacker Elandon Roberts or safety Brandon King. Both had the unenviable task of trying to corral the quick Burkhead during one-on-one pass catching drills Thursday. Both found themselves looking quite foolish. That continues a week-long trend here at Patriots training camp -- Number 34 getting into space and creating even more.

“I’m trying to reach the expectations every day of excellence,” Burkhead said, as if he just created a slogan for the back of a t-shirt.

Burkhead broke into the league five years ago with the Cincinnati Bengals. He earned his way by being an ace special-teams player, but eventually saw an increase in his role offensively a season ago, both running and catching the football. Word is Burkhead was chased by Bill Belichick and Bill Belichick alone. You can see why, with the Pats wanting to create even more uncertainty for opposing defenses.

“Hopefully, this year, we’ll have a little more balance between the running game and passing game,” Belichick said. “Again, [the departed LeGarrette Blount] was primarily a runner. He didn’t have a lot of receiving production. The reverse is true of James White. So hopefully with our backs this year we’ll have a little more balance and be a little less predictable from that spot.”

That’s one of many areas where Burkhead can factor in.

“It’s something growing up, my dad -- he was a coach, he played football -- he always told me, ‘You can’t be a one-dimensional player. You’ve have to be able to catch the ball as well,’ ” Burkhead said. “It’s always been something I’ve taken pride in. I want to make sure I can do it well.”

The Pats haven’t been shy about trying Burkhead in short yardage situation down at the goal line either. Running backs coach Ivan Fears is on record saying the team needs to find it’s power back and while Mike Gilislee is probably the lead dog in that area, Burkhead is bigger than you think, right around 210 pounds. That’s not Blount beef, but that doesn’t mean the Texas native can’t get it done.

“Find the creases and see the reads. You don’t want to have your head up with a guy 50 pounds or 100 pounds bigger than you, so you try to find those creases where you can really lower your pads and get on in there,” adding, “I can fit through some cracks that some normal - or bigger backs - can’t get through.”

If Burkhead keeps showing up and showing out in every practice, he’ll get plenty of opportunities to impact the Pats in all facets and pay off Belichick’s faith in him.

http://www.csnne.com/new-england-patriots/new-england-patriots-make-quite-catch-rex-burkhead

 

[BeyondFedUp]

If it's true that Belichick was the lone pursuer of Burkhead, then it's 99 percent true that even the owners and GMs shake in their boots to the Marxicult PC masters rather than trying to emulate the consistently GREATEST team of the last two decades...

 

[ramicackle]

Will Burkhead start to see more rushing attempts in the second half of the season? In 2017 Rex is averaging 4.3 yards per carry (64 yards on 15 carries). This is so productive that you would expect him to get a lot more rushing attempts. Burkhead is 27 years old and has averaged 4.3 yards per carry in his 102 career rushing attempts...seems like he's been under utilized.

 

[Don Wassall]

I'm not gonna pretend I understand what went into figuring out this ranking, but hey, however it was compiled our man Rex is number one!

Rex Burkhead is the most successful RB in the NFL this year after ranking 2nd best last year (success rate on rushes+receptions). [Look at all the NE RBs at the top of the rankings] https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/929903001015373825/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc^tfw&ref_url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2744343-start-em-sit-em-week-11-reviewing-fantasy-footballs-top-fringe-starters

 

[white is right]

I'm not gonna pretend I understand what went into figuring out this ranking, but hey, however it was compiled our man Rex is number one!

Rex Burkhead is the most successful RB in the NFL this year after ranking 2nd best last year (success rate on rushes+receptions). [Look at all the NE RBs at the top of the rankings] https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/929903001015373825/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc^tfw&ref_url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2744343-start-em-sit-em-week-11-reviewing-fantasy-footballs-top-fringe-starters

It's probably quality touches with a minimum qualifier. What I can't figure out is the playing pattern of the play caller for New England when it comes to totes of the rock. Aside from Blount's obvious closer role, everything else has been as random as the utters of a crazy homeless person.....

 

[Thrashen]

I think the Pats deactivated Gillislee for a number of reasons. He doesn't play special teams, he's a one-dimensional RB who doesn't catch passes (especially with Edelman and Hogan out and Amendola with nagging injuries), the offense is more predictable when he's in the game, Rex is healthy now, and Rex is just plain better. It's cool to see the Fantasy Football world buzzing about Rex right now. He seems to be a popular waiver claim after two big weeks in a row coming back from injury.

Rex's showing perfect form on his blocked punt on SNF...