New England Patriots: 5 players who need to step up in 2020

New England Patriots: 5 players who need to step up post-Tom Brady

By Sam Minton | Mar 31, 2020

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots celebrates his touchdown with teammates against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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James White (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

James White

Last season we saw James White continue to be a dual threat in the New England Patriots offense. This season he will have to take things to the next level.

Along with Julian Edelman, White was one of the Patriots best options when throwing the ball. Last season he had over 70 receptions for 645 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The problem for White and the Patriots was that he struggled on the ground. He saw a rather steep drop in carries and yards.

New England isn’t expecting White to run for over 1,000 yards (if he does that would be amazing). If White manages to get at least 500 yards rushing that would put the Patriots in a good position.

White will definitely be relied upon in the passing game. Whoever is the new quarterback can use White as a failsafe if he runs out of time in the pocket. When he gets open space, White can be extremely dangerous.

If the Patriots offense is going to be successful they need White to be dangerous on the ground and in the air.

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