Stevan Ridley ready for running back competition

Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) rushes the ball in the second half against the Denver Broncos during the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Ridley will likely be the top running back going into New England Patriots camp, but he is prepared for the competition. He knows that the role can be taken away at any moment. He was benched last season because of his issues with fumbling the football and the Patriots trusted in LeGarrette Blount more as the season went on. Ridley will be going into training camp competing for that starting role.

"“In this system, always,” Ridley said Thursday after OTAs (via NESN). “I’m telling you, I don’t say that lightly. I mean, you can go out there and be a starter one game and the next game, you’re two or three guys behind. So really none of that matters. It’s week in and week out and that’s what coach stresses to us every week that we have to go out there and be competitive as we can be. He’s going to play the matchups game, and we just have to be unselfish enough to go out there and capitalize on the plays that we get. It’s not really about competition between the room. I think we just have to push each other to make each the best that we can be.”"

Ridley has shown the potential to be a top back in the league. The issues he had with fumbling will keep him in the dog house with Bill Belichick though. His focus will have to be on protecting the football. If he can hold onto the rock, he should be able to be the top back coming out of the Patriots backfield.