Patriots RB James White has faith in Jarrett Stidham, offense's post-Tom Brady future
This offseason, Patriots players Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater expressed confidence in second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who’s currently the favorite to replace Tom Brady.
However, neither the Pro Bowl safety nor Pro Bowl special teamer have been in the same huddle as Stidham. The same can't be said, however, about James White. The Patriots' veteran running back said via a conference call on Thursday that Stidham impressed last season and he’s confident in the offense heading into the 2020 season.
“He came in and competed right away,” White said. “Our offense can be pretty complex, and he was willing to learn, willing to take coaching. He keeps fighting no matter what the situation is. The second year, he’ll come in ready to learn. We’ll all compete trying to make each other better football players, be on the same page on offense so we can all help each other out.”
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White has been a consistent piece in the Patriots passing game over the last five seasons. He’s turned into the most accomplished passing back in Patriots franchise history. In 2018, White set a Patriots running back record with 87 receptions and 751 receiving yards to go with seven receiving touchdowns, which tied the team record.
Last season, White finished season on the Patriots in receptions (72) and receiving yards (645). He should remain a big part of the team’s offense this season as the group moves on without Brady. Over the years, White has been a security blanket for Brady. Since 2015, he has 315 receptions. That’s the most out of any running back in the NFL in that span.
White said it’ll be different playing without Brady. However, he’s confident in the two quarterbacks on the Patriots roster.
“It’ll be a little different. I played with Tom my whole career so I learned a lot from that guy. We appreciated him as a teammate. We all learned a lot from him. Guys come and go each and every year, so you have to be able to compete with new people. We’re confident in Stidham, confident in (Brian) Hoyer, whoever it happens to be... Coach (Bill) Belichick will have us prepared.”
This season could also be an important one for the Patriots' running back group as a whole. The offense could certainly use solid contributions from the likes of White, Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel.
“There’s no added pressure. We attack each offseason to each season the same way,” White said of the running back group. “We all want to be reliable options it’s not just going to be one group, one person that makes a team win. It’s going to be everybody working together, getting things going, so whatever, whoever has to be relied upon the most – running back group, offensive line, tight ends, receivers, quarterbacks – it’s all of us working together, trying to score points and win games.”