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Patriots Gridiron News: James White is big time playoff offensive weapon

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: James White #28 of the New England Patriots reacts during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: James White #28 of the New England Patriots reacts during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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When it comes to big moments, New England Patriots running back James White brings out his best by simply living in the moment.

By now, everyone in the NFL knows James White is a key component to the New England Patriots offense.  But that didn’t stop him from recording a 15-catch performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Divisional round game on Sunday.

As much as the 41-28 victory was about Tom Brady, Sony Michel and the defense, the performance of Wisconsin product really set the pace and tone for the entire game.  With quick passes and screen plays, White’s 97 receiving yards was a reminder to how important he was to the Patriots’ offense in the first half of the season.

With the addition of Josh Gordon and the return of Julian Edelman, the production of James White did tail off a bit heading down the stretch, but he still remained a very viable option for Brady and the Patriots’ offense and it showed on Sunday.

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It showed just like it did during his performance against the Atlanta Falcons in that epic Super Bowl LI comeback victory.  The very reliable James White was the hero of the game catching key passes and providing clutch runs when the team really needed him.  Obviously, it was that game in which he really established himself as one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets.

Now, in yet another playoff opportunity, White is shining once again.  In line with the team’s past pass-catching running backs like Kevin Faulk and Shane Vereen, White is simply living in the moment and taking advantage of the opportunities he is given.

"“You just don’t take the opportunity for granted,” White told the media on Wednesday.  “It’s not just every year automatically you’re going to be in the playoffs, be in the AFC Championship so just make the most of our opportunity, live in the moment and just go out there and play your best football.  You don’t want to have any regrets.”"

Fortunately for James White, he has made the playoffs and made it to the AFC Championship game every year since he entered the NFL.  And in those games, he has played a big role in how far they have advanced, serving as the hero in a Super Bowl victory.

White vs. the Kansas City Chiefs

As good as James White was against the Los Angeles Chargers, he will have to be extra special against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead stadium.

With the loud noise and expected frigid temperatures, White’s number may be called in more draw plays and certainly more creative screen play attempts. With defensive players like Dee Ford, Justin Houston and Chris Jones foaming at the mouth to tee off on Tom Brady, quick outlets to James White will be huge.

He will also have to be on his toes in picking up blitz as it is a sure bet Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton will come up with creative schemes to get to Brady.

"“Chris Jones is having a huge year and Dee Ford, Justin Houston, those guys have been disruptive all year long,” White said when asked about the Kansas City pass rush.  “I think they lead the league in sacks and stuff like that so it’s going to take all of us to pay attention to those guys and not let them make too big of an impact on the game because they rally can mess up a game.”"

While James White will be a focus in the passing game for the Chiefs to defend, he could make more of an impact running the ball.  When he is in the game, the New England Patriots run passing plays on a high percentage.

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Knowing the predictable unpredictability of this team, it will not be surprising if Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels hit the Chiefs’ defense with draw plays or simple run plays with White.  It’s a little wrinkle that could keep Kansas City off balanced and open up play-action for Tom Brady to exploit the Chiefs weakness, which has been their secondary play.

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