James White explains why Ezekiel Elliott might have have a ‘big affect’ with the Patriots

Patriots

“It will likely be big to have that 1-2 punch and spell a man with out having that drop-off.”

Ezekiel Elliott has agreed to a cope with the Patriots, making the three-time Professional Bowler the newest addition to the group.

At 28 years outdated, there are questions on how a lot Elliott has left within the tank. His resolution to return right here and again up Rhamondre Stevenson highlights the truth that he’s not the identical participant he was on the apex of his profession.

However, he can nonetheless add worth and depth on the working again place.

Longtime Patriots working again James White provided his tackle the Elliott signing throughout an interview with Sirius XM on Tuesday morning.

“Rhamondre Stevenson goes to be the lead man, the bell cow man,” White stated, as transcribed by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “Zeke is a confirmed veteran. He might not have the 1,500-1,600 speeding yards like his first few years within the league with that Dallas offensive line, however he can nonetheless be a really productive again.”

“He’s nice within the crimson zone,” White continued. “So I’m positive they’ll use him within the working recreation there. He’s nice on third down and choosing up blitzes, so I feel he’ll have a huge effect relating to that. I simply assume it provides depth to the working again room.”

The Patriots’ want for a veteran working again to pair with Stevenson has been evident all through coaching camp. Leonard Fournette got here to Foxborough for a exercise. The Patriots had been among the many betting favorites to land Dalvin Prepare dinner earlier than he signed with the Jets.

Ultimately, Invoice Belichick determined signal Elliott to a 1-year deal value as much as $6 million. His presence ought to assist preserve Rhamondre Stevenson contemporary, White defined.

“Rhamondre Stevenson type of wore down a little bit bit in direction of the again half of final season,” White stated. “I do know he most likely wasn’t anticipating to play as many snaps as he did as soon as Damien Harris went down for an excellent portion of the season. He was enjoying 80-90 p.c of the snaps — first, second, and third-down, so it is going to be big to have that 1-2 punch and spell a man with out having that drop-off.”

In response to Christopher Value of The Boston Globe, the Patriots had been working in direction of a cope with Elliott for a few month earlier than lastly coming to an settlement this week.

“These are huge, highly effective, robust, quick guys and that’s what you need in a working again,” White stated of Elliott and Stevenson. “I do know Invoice Belichick has talked about among the greatest backs within the league and I do know he’s a giant fan of Zeke. Every time we’d compete towards these guys, he would discuss how a lot he needed to have him on the roster.”