Bolden takes 1st step to 3rd down
FOXBORO — There have been times in his Patriots career that Brandon Bolden has made his mark on special teams but been largely unused at running back.
If the last few training camp practices are any indication, though, that could change this season.
Bolden has emerged as the leader to take over the role that Shane Vereen filled before leaving for the New York Giants during the offseason. Vereen became a staple in catching the ball out of the backfield and blocking on third down, and Bolden has been the most prominent player in that role in recent practices.
Still, Bolden approached the added reps with a laidback attitude.
“Any work is great work out here,” Bolden said.
And there has been lots of it for him. Yesterday on the fields behind Gillette Stadium, Bolden caught three passes from Tom Brady and another from Jimmy Garoppolo. He’s been the primary back in many of the team’s 11-on-11 drills, especially with LeGarrette Blount and Travaris Cadet out with injuries.
Second-year back James White is considered prime competition for that spot, but Bolden holds the edge for now.
Bolden maintains that he is taking the same approach this camp as he has with any.
“I’m attacking everything with the same mindset: head down, eyes open, focused on just doing what I have to do,” Bolden said.
Heading into his fourth season, the 5-foot-11, 220-pounder out of Ole Miss has been a reliable special teams performer ever since he entered the league. Over his first three seasons, he has only carried the ball 139 times for 634 yards. He owns 25 career catches for 171 yards, but if he continues to lead the race for Vereen’s old role, look for those numbers to spike dramatically this season.
For as much playing time as Bolden gets on special teams, he knows he can handle the duties at running back, too.
“Hey, that’s what I’m here is to play running back,” he said. “Special teams is just an added bonus for me. So, yeah, I’m having fun doing what I came here to do.”
And while he’s having fun, Bolden admits that he has work to do when it comes to being a receiver.
“Still a work in progress,” Bolden said. “Everybody is confident in their hands. That’s why we’re here. We’re pretty confident in our hands. But you’re not here because you’re perfect. You’re here because you find something to work on. So my hands are something that’s I’m still working on.”
The running back group is a close one, and Bolden feels there’s healthy competition every day.
“Oh yeah, competition is great, especially with these guys,” he said. “We push each other. We make each other better every day, and that’s what it’s all about.”
And that competition is going Bolden’s way at the moment.