New England Patriots: 5 observations from soaring victory over NY Jets

The New England Patriots running back James White still have those sweet feet

New England Patriots running back and captain James White showed on Sunday just why he is still important to this offense, especially for rookie quarterback Mac Jones.

With Damien Harris taking on the lead running back role, White won’t get many opportunities to run the ball, but in the passing game he will be a security blanket and check down target for White, just like he was for Tom Brady.

On Sunday’s win against the New York Jets, White rushed the ball 5 times for 20 yards and caught 6 passes for 45 yards.  Much of that production came on the teams’s first touchdown drive which ended in this nice rushing touchdown by White.

After a down season in 2020, James White appears to be back to the James White who is very valuable to this offense.  In dealing with tragedy part of that year, the Patriots veteran has found some rejuvenation and it is showing on the field through the first two weeks of the 2021 NFL season.

"“I feel good,” White said, via Patriots.com.  “I know last year wasn’t my best year for many different reasons. I’m excited to be back out here and have an opportunity to play this game. I want to do whatever I can to help my team win, whether that’s getting the ball or not, or just blocking. I just want to be the best me out there."

He will be an important player for Mac Jones and his maturation as a starting NFL quarterback.