Patriots Gridiron News: James White says team will come back ‘ready to go’

The New England Patriots know their best football is ahead of them and running back James White is one of the reasons why.

The New England Patriots haven’t had their full complement of weapons on the field at the same time through the first 10 weeks of the season.  One of the players who have been on the field and making a consistent contribution is James White.

Not only is the Wisconsin product a reason the team doesn’t miss Dion Lewis, he has morphed into a leader on the team and is on a record-setting pace for receptions by a running back.

The Super Bowl LI hero is not about the numbers; however, he just wants to do whatever necessary to help his team win football games.

"“I’m doing whatever I can to help my team get wins,” White said Wednesday.  “Whether it’s one catch or a million catches, it doesn’t matter.  I’m just trying to help these guys get wins and make our team better.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

In fact, James White has been an aspect of the offense that is recognizable.  The team has always has a back who catches the ball out of the backfield, but what is the team’s true identity this season on offense?

Again, injuries have masked that identity, but when asked if the team is still trying to figure out their identity, White said they already know who they are and who they want to be.

"“We know who we are,” White said.  “We just have to be better.  We’ve had splashes here and there where we’ve shown what we’re capable of.  I still don’t think we’ve played a full 60-minute game.  This offense has a lot of potential, but it doesn’t matter how much potential you have if you don’t go out there and execute.  We’ll take this bye week, self-scout, figure out what we can do better and come back ready to go.”"

Execution has been the team’s main nemesis overall.  The New England Patriots offense has left a lot of points on the field, even in the games in which they scored 38 points.  With a full complement of weapons, the Patriots should be more balanced and unpredictable going forward.  If they figure it all out, they could actually be scary good.

New linebacker Albert McClellan excited to join team

One of the emphasis going into the bye week for the New England Patriots will be on special teams.

The team has been uncharacteristically inconsistent in that area and will look to improve.

One player the team brought in to help secure special teams play is veteran linebacker Albert McClellan.  Recently released from the Baltimore Ravens, the 32-year-old core special teams player says he is blessed to join the Patriots and looking forward to establishing a role.

"“Just [want to] establish a role,” McClellan said, as transcribed by WEEI.  “I’ve been a special teams guy throughout my career, so continue to help out there where it’s needed.  Other than that, whatever’s asked from the coaches and whatever they think I can do, just do it to the best of my ability.”"

It certainly sounds like the New England Patriots have just the kind of player they look for to play special teams.  It would also be no surprise if he gets some snaps on defense as well.

Albert McClellan made his debut with the Patriots last Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.