James White has earned the trust of the New England Patriots.
The passing-down back has snagged 21 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games, taking on an increased workload in the absence of Dion Lewis.
Quarterback Tom Brady said the "sub back" is a crucial position for the Patriots, though White's hands are only part of what makes him a perfect fit.
"[I]t's not just catching, it's also blitz pickup," Brady said, via ESPN Boston. "It's really gaining the confidence of everybody that you know what to do, you know how to do it. And then you never know when your number is going to get called because Gronk gets throws, Julian [Edelman] gets throws, Danny [Amendola] gets throws.
"[I]t's not just catching, it's also blitz pickup," Brady said, via ESPN Boston. "It's really gaining the confidence of everybody that you know what to do, you know how to do it. And then you never know when your number is going to get called because Gronk gets throws, Julian [Edelman] gets throws, Danny [Amendola] gets throws.
"Then all of the sudden, man, the sub back is there and he makes a play, so it's such a critical role in the red area, on third down. James really came through for us, so it's been great to see."
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