The competition to be the Patriots changeup back got interesting in New Orleans. Dion Lewis got his first game action and lit it up as a pass-catcher, blitz protector and receiving target. Then James White came in and put together a similarly solid performance.
This week, with Travaris Cadet nearing a return, we may get a new flood of data. Cadet, the free agent signee from New Orleans has been at practice this week and is close to playing.
While the three seem similar – especially White and Lewis – there are some nuances that separate them. Lewis is much more solidly built than White. Closer to the ground with thick legs, he appears to be the kind of back that could run between the tackles if necessary.
White, who had an 11-yard touchdown run (as did Lewis) is a bit more slight and doesn’t seem as well-suited for the inside work.
Cadet is a 6-footer who’s got a leaner build than either and may be as well-equipped to work at wideout as he is in the backfield.
More information is needed.
In the locker room Wednesday, I latched on to White as he passed and asked about where things stand.
“I thought I played pretty well,” against the Saints. “There’s still things I need to improve on. There’s always room for improvement. We’re trying to carry over and get ready for Carolina.”
New England Patriots
Having played extensively in the 2014 preseason as a rookie (29 carries, 80 yards; 4 catches for 45), White handled the ball just 14 times in the regular season as Shane Vereen and the rest of the Patriots backs took precedence.
This year, White is starting to feel as if he can play more quickly.
“The more football you play, the more things you get to see and the more repetitions get added and you’re able to react faster,” White explained. “Whether you’re seeing it on the practice field or seeing it in the game, it allows you to play a little bit faster too.
“You have to play with confidence. Trust in the playcall, trust in what you know and react to what you see. When you play fast and with confidence, the sky’s the limit.”
The third-down back is always critical to the success of any offense, but in the Patriots offense its often had even greater import because of Tom Brady’s utilization of it. Over the years (and depending on how good the overall team is) Brady’s been inclined to seek high-percentage checkdowns when the downfield throw carries too great a risk. He’s always protected the ball well with his decision-making. If Brady isn’t on the field for September, the same mindset will be hammered into the skull of Jimmy Garoppolo. When in doubt, check down. Who will Garoppollo be checking down to? That question remains one of the most intriguing of training camp.