Gronk, Gordon Grab Headlines; James White is the driving force behind the crime of caresses | Bleacher's report

James White is expected to be a household name after setting a Super Bowl record with 14 receptions and scoring the decisive touchdown in overtime less than two years ago against the Atlanta Falcons.

In a way, it is not it. The fact that it is so often overlooked–not only as the best offensive midfielder, but also as the main offensive threat of the New England Patriots– is insane.

Mr. White devotes himself every week to his business and never gets the credit that he really deserves, as everyone outside of the organization worries more about the other people on the list.

The reason is simple: Tight End Rob Gronkowski is a future inductee to the Hall of Fame and perhaps the best to play his role. Josh Gordon presents a truly tantalizing skill set and Julian Edelman has already set a record as Tom Brady's favorite target of situations.

These are hot rods that run their engines. The White Civic, meanwhile, is a Honda Civic that accumulates a ton of mileage as it is reliable.

"James is like this guy who does not hurt," said safety Devin McCourty, according to the Boston GlobeIt's Ben Volin. "… For us, as a defense, we know that when we get there on Sunday, if James holds a position, no matter what role, we have complete confidence, even if we do not know what it is. Is, just because of the type of worker that he is and how consistent he is. "

Well, the Patriots played Monday this week and took a 25-6 win over the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. White did again what he did even though New England experienced a different look before using his top.

Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson has actually opened the competition behind Brady. Patterson carried the ball 10 times–twice as much as white–for a paltry 38 meters.

When Brady needed to play, he knew exactly who to target.

A closer inspection under the hood reveals a little more than a basic engine; it's the turbo edition. White is an ideal running back for the modern game. This is not an old workaholic ready to carry the ball 20 to 30 times per game while he is forcing his way through the defense. Although he is able to score difficult goals if necessary, as shown by the only offensive touch of the game, with the kind permission of Pro Football Focus:

Its production should be measured by contacts, not door.

The Whites captured 10 passes for 79 yards to go and eight passes for 15 yards, including the one year plunge mentioned above.

"We do not want to overload him, but at the same time he is certainly capable of doing a lot for our football team in different ways," said the head coach. Bill Belichick I said. "So, we are trying to find a way for it to be productive without putting everything on its shoulders."

The 26-year-old back falls into a category reserved for Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams, Christian McCaffrey of the Carolina Panthers, The Pittsburgh Steelers' Veon Bell (when he's on the field), Alvin Kamara of New Orleans Saints, Duke Johnson of Cleveland Browns and rookie Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants. They are more than half-breeds; they are offensive weapons.

The value of each increases exponentially according to their ability to contribute to the pass game. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, white is as productive as any of them when it is used as a wide receiver:

The Whites have led or equalized for the team leader at receptions in six of the eight contests of the season. In fact, according to ESPN Stats & Info (via ESPN.com, its 55 receptions in eight matches constitute the third best performance in the history of the championship). Mike ReissCurrently, the fifth-year back is seventh in receptions, with big receivers such as Atlanta Falcons 'Julio Jones, Houston Texans DeAndre Hopkins, Green Bay Packers' Davante Adams and Jarvis Landry Browns.

"He has to start sharing," Gronkowski said earlier this month, according to Henry McKenna. United States todayPatriots Wire. "No, it 's well deserved – his way of focusing on his details, his itinerary, his way of opening and the little details that he knows how to do exactly to the point of his own. open.

Gronk's comments were made jokingly, but a core of truth exists in his initial statement.

The narrow end has been the focal point of the offense for a long time because of its ability to create mismatches. He still plays a lot in passing play, but the Bills have found a way to disrupt his pace and efficiency by maneuvering the target of 6 "and 268 lb. Buffalo linebacker, Matt Milano, l? was a bit intimidated Gronkowski was not injured, he did not get any liberation and fought with the Bills defensemen throughout the game. it is usually him who determined the standard of physical life.

Gronkowski only managed three receptions for 43 yards on Monday.

In addition, the first team four times All-Pro is not the most reliable option. He missed last week's game against the Chicago Bears due to a back injury. A litany of injuries continues to accumulate and he has not played 16 games since the 2011 campaign.

Gordon, meanwhile, is not reliable in general. He has long used his home in Cleveland because of many suspensions and missteps along the way. NFL Network Ian Rapoport reported that Gordon would be disciplined during the Bills contest because of his slowness, but that the broad mercurial receiver was on the ground at his usual starting point when the contest began.

However, the thought of "We're back" was to arise in the fan base of the Patriots. The 27 year old catcher is really talented and he has performed well since the exchange. Although it is only a puzzle, he never plays again.

Even Edelman, who led the team on Monday with 104 yards of profit, did not show the same consistency after serving a four-game suspension because of a violation of the policy prohibiting the use of drugs improving. the performance. He averaged 49 yards per game before his escape to the Bills.

Even if each of these three options is good, White is the real difference factor. His total of eight touchdowns lead the Patriots, while his six touchdowns were the league's top contenders.

White is a perfect fit in the New England scheme and delivers in every contest. The Patriots know that he is the driving force behind their current offensive success.

"We have a lot of confidence in James," said Belichick, by Volin. "He does everything well for us."

Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter:@brentsobleski.