White saves his best for big games
FOXBORO — James White has a proclivity for posting record numbers in big games.
The veteran running back was the Patriots receptions leader in the regular season, a skill that could prove useful against the Chiefs Sunday in the AFC title game.
White set franchise records for catches (87) and receiving yards (751) by a running back along with scoring a career-high seven touchdowns. He also rushed for 425 yards and four touchdowns.
White performed similar duties as a four-year player at Wisconsin and quickly secured the confidence of quarterback Tom Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
“It wasn’t too difficult, just going out there and trying to do the right things and paying attention to the finer details,” White said yesterday. “I’m trying to see what Tom sees so we can be on the same page and I’m in the right spot when he looks my way.
“It’s working hard in practice, OTAs and training camp and throughout the season and just continuing to get better at it.”
White had 14 catches against the Falcons in Super Bowl LI two years ago, finishing with a team-high 110 receiving yards that included a 5-yard touchdown. He also rushed for two touchdowns including the gamewinning plunge in overtime.
He went one better last Sunday against the Chargers, equaling the NFL postseason receptions record with 15 for 97 yards.
“James has been an exceptional player for us obviously in the biggest games,” Brady said. “We have so much trust in him and his ability to make the right decisions.
“He’s great with the ball in his hands in the run game and the pass game. He’s just been an exceptional player in every way. Great teammate and they don’t make many like him. We are lucky to have him.”
White is good on option and wheel routes but his signature play is the screen pass. Running backs coach Ivan Fears said White performs the screen better than any back in the NFL and he executed two beauties against the Chargers.
On the Patriots opening drive, Brady dumped a screen to White and he followed his wall of blockers for a 17-yard gain. White trumped that effort with a 25-yard check down on the opening play of the Pats’ fourth touchdown drive of the first half.
“I just try and go out and block for him and when you feel him run by it puts a little smile on your face,” center David Andrews said. “James is such a good runner in open space and if we can just get out and throw our bodies around and get on guys he’ll do the rest.”