White set to carry more of load
FOXBORO — James White has grown into a prominent role in the Patriots offense through his first four seasons, but considering what’s around him, the running back could be relied on even more this year.
That much was on display last night at Gillette Stadium, where White was featured early and often in 37-20 preseason victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Without Rex Burkhead and rookie Sony Michel, both of whom were out with injuries, it was White who carried the load with the Patriots’ first-team offense. The fifth-year back touched the ball six times on the opening offensive drive, including on each of the first five plays. He finished the first half as the Patriots’ most productive offensive player, with six catches for 61 yards and a touchdown in addition to four carries for 31 yards.
A week after the offense looked inept without Tom Brady, the opening drive surely allowed fans to breathe a sigh of relief, and White, the most tenured back in the Patriots’ rotation, gave everyone a glimpse of what they’re used to. He caught three passes on the drive, and his 22-yard scamper brought the Patriots just outside the red zone. Three plays later, Brady found Chris Hogan for a touchdown.
In the second quarter, it was more of the same as Brady continued to use White as his security blanket. Brady led a two-minute drill and finished it with a screen pass to White, who used his blockers to race in 20 yards for the score.
The first half offense was something of a preview of what to expect at the start of the season, and White will obviously be key. He had 92 yards from scrimmage on 10 touches in the first half of the victory. Last season, he averaged 42.8 yards on seven touches per game. If last night is any indication, White will have opportunities to be even more of a focal point of the offense, especially in the first month of the year.
When Burkhead returns, he will undoubtedly be a big part of the offense, but he has proven to be injuryprone. He missed six games last season and has yet to suit up for a game this preseason while missing the last four practices due to an unknown injury. The potential is there for Michel, the Pats’ first-round pick, but it’s unknown how soon he’ll be able to make a big contribution.
With question marks all over the wide receiver group, including Julian Edelman’s four-game suspension, that leaves White in a good spot to be even more involved this season.
Brady clearly trusts him, as he continued to show last night, and the running back, outside of Rob Gronkowski, is as dependable as any to help the offense stay on track through September.