Patriots RB J.J. Taylor excited for chance to assume James White’s third down role

FOXBORO – Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears earlier in the week suggested second-year back J.J. Taylor would be in the mix to help make up for the loss of James White, who is done for the season with a hip injury.

Taylor, whose primary role has been as a kick returner, said he’d love the chance to be a part of the solution to fill White’s third down role.

“I’m always excited to play football. Any chance to get on the field, you take it,” Taylor said Thursday, “but also, I’m praying for James and wishing him the best.

White suffered the season-ending injury during the first quarter of last Sunday’s game with the Saints.

The 5-foot-6, 185-pound Taylor, who was signed as an undrafted rookie out of Arizona in 2020, said he’s starting to feel more comfortable both in blitz-pickup, and running routes out of the backfield, which are essential to being a third down back.

How did he plan on handling all the mammoth rushers coming at him with a full head of steam?

“Absorb the block, give a blow. It’s a tough thing to do,” he said.  “Not everybody likes to get hit every single play. But just as they like to hit, we like to hit, as well. You do your damage, and let them know you can’t be bullied around things like that.”

How about route-running?

“I did a good amount at Arizona, but this is a lot more and once again, (it helps) having James White, and all the backs actually, teaching us how to run routes, how to set people up, just doing things we’re supposed to do,” he said. “So it’s getting better, as well.”

Taylor, though, expressed the sentiment held by man about White.

“I can honestly say he’s one of the biggest leaders on the team,” he said. “And for me, he’s just been showing me the path, giving me tips, and just been a mentor to me, helping me out when the times get tough, and keeping me pushing when things are going good, a making sure I’m staying in my lane, and doing the things I’m supposed to do.”

 

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3ioOZaq