The New
England offense has been unquestionably the most prolific in the NFL for well
over a decade. It has seen many stars come and go, breaking offensive records as
often as they please. Yet, one name has gone unnoticed for far too long.
Running back James White is on a record setting pace this year for most catches
by a running back in a season. Halfway through the season, he ranks 7th in the
NFL in receptions. That is more than the likes of prolific superstar wide receivers
Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, and DeAndre Hopkins.
White was
drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft out of Wisconsin. He always
had to battle for reps while in college because he played alongside stars such
as Melvin Gordon and Montee Ball. While Gordon and Ball held the spotlight,
White went underappreciated putting up very respectable numbers. Throughout his
four year career, he recorded over 4,000 rushing yards and scored nearly 50
touchdowns.
Coming to
New England for his rookie season, he once again competed for reps with veterans Shane Vereen, LeGarrette Blount, and
Brandon Bolden. He only got 14 touches for 61 yards in 3 games in his first
year. The Patriots would go on to win the Super Bowl but White was inactive for
the entirety of the playoff run.
But his
fortunes began to change in his second year with the franchise. Early season
standout, Dion Lewis, suffered a season-ending knee injury. White was thrusted
into a more prominent role in the offense. He was able to turn that into 62
touches for 466 yards from scrimmage and 6 touchdowns. It was a modest start,
but White certainly showed glimpses of the player he is today.
White once again improved in his
third year appearing in all 16 games, and putting up very respectable numbers
that included 99 touches and 5 touchdowns. White made himself a New England
icon in Super Bowl 51. With the Patriots trailing 28-3 late in the third, Brady
turned to the third-year back, who did not disappoint. White would score three
touchdowns, including the game-winning run to complete the improbable comeback.
Since his
magical Super Bowl night, the former Badger has been very involved with the
offense, specifically in his role as a pass catcher. He is not just any pass
catcher, he has become one of the favorite targets for the great Tom Brady.
Brady’s admiration for the fifth year back is blatant as he constantly speaks
highly of him. In an interview with
WEEI’s radio show, Kirk & Callahan, Brady said, “I know I talk about James
White a lot, but you just couldn’t ask for a better player, a better
teammate…someone who is as dependable and consistent as he has been for as
long as he’s been here. It has just been an incredible thing for me to watch.”
It’s not
just Brady who enjoys White’s presence in New England. The team voted him in as
one of the six captains for the team this year. With a more significant role on
the team, White has not shied away at all but rather he has stepped up. After
early injuries to Jeremy Hill and Rex Burkhead, the offense began sputtering.
During the offensive struggles, the legendary quarterback demanded more
involvement from the running back. White has risen, getting 76 touches for 472
yards from scrimmage and 6 touchdowns. The team has seen a drastically improved
offense as well, averaging over 36 points per game during their 5 game winning
streak.
The scrappy
back out of Wisconsin has long gone unnoticed but that is quickly changing. He
is a folk hero in New England for his role in Super Bowl 51 and is now one of
the leaders for one of the best teams in football. He had a big impact on the
game last Monday as well, recording 10 catches and scoring the dagger touchdown
late in the fourth. Yet, there was more to that as well.
According
to Patriots.com, White recorded his 50th catch of the season during the game,
which doesn’t happen that often this time of the season. This is only the ninth
time an NFL running back has recorded at least 50 catches through 8 games in
the season. He also passed Sam Cunningham for third most catches by a Pats’
running back in their career. He only trails Tony Collins and the great Kevin
Faulk. If White continues his career trajectory with the Patriots, he will
finally receive his well-deserved appreciation and forever be known as a New
England legend.