The Belichick Era Patriots Team: 3rd-down RB – Choice is clear right now, but that may change in 2 years

Since there isn't a whole lot going on, I had a BSJ member in a chat suggest doing an all-Patriots team from the Belichick era, and I tucked it away for when things really slowed. Thinking now is the time.

This is going to be a real team, not some participation trophy team like the Patriots' official All-Decade squad. The offensive positions:



We have three positions in the book (QB and TE1 will have no debate). Next up: the pass-catching third down back, which is basically a two-horse race (with a distant third), and both of them are excellent:

NOMINEES



Kevin Faulk (2000-14): The OG. Leads franchise running backs in just about every category when it comes to being an all-around back, including games, receptions, yards and catch percentage. Came in before Belichick got to New England and initially had some ball-security issues, but flourished under Belichick and was a huge part of the offense for the first three titles.

Not the fastest guy and not the most talented among Patriots running backs, but he just knew how to play the game and was an unquestioned leader both vocally and by example.

Belichick, when Faulk was elected to the Patriots' Hall of Fame: "Kevin did a tremendous job. He was here when I got here so I didn’t draft him, but he basically spent his whole career playing for me and he did everything we ever asked him to do. One of the most unselfish players I’ve ever coached, a guy who really understood his role, did a great job in his very important role. It was very significant what he did. [He was a] dependable player, unselfish team player, played some of his best football in the biggest games. [He’s] very deserving. I’m proud to have coached him."

Shane Vereen (2011-14): Was sort of the gap player between Faulk and James White, but had to wait a year on the bench (like White did for Vereen) for Danny Woodhead to finish up. Had a lot of natural gifts and was probably the fastest of Patriots' running backs, but he wasn't the runner Faulk was, or as shifty in the open field like White.

Explosive. Has the team record for most receiving yards in a game by a running back: 153 yards in a comeback/miracle win over the Browns at home in 2013. Could have been Super Bowl XLIX MVP with his 11 receptions, if not for Brady's heroics against the Seahawks.

James White (2014-present): If Faulk gets the accolades for most impactful and leadership, and Vereen was the most explosive down the field, then White is just flat-out the most productive. When you look at single seasons and individual games, White is all over the top of the lists:



Among the top five seasons for receptions and yards by a back, White has three of them.

When it comes to individual games, White has six of the top nine games when it comes to receptions, and four of the top nine for yards:



There wasn't a more shifty back in the open field than White. No linebackers could cover him, and he'd make them look terrible. Should have been Super Bowl LI MVP. He's become a quiet leader as well. Needs about two more seasons and he'll break all of Faulk's marks.

DISCUSSION/PICK

There really isn't much of one ... yet. While I think I can make a case for White, the fact that Faulk did what he did when he did — before the Patriots' passing game became dominant — and how he basically invented the position for the Patriots, plus his longevity, make it a no-brainer at this point.

Plus, Faulk basically was the training wheels for Tom Brady. He was his crutch in the early years until Brady was ready to carry the offense. White got to play with the best version of Brady, but White could be the same crutch for Jarrett Stidham if that transition goes well.

If White plays a huge role for Stidham, and if White breaks all of Faulk's records (he would need to have his contract extended), then we might have something to talk about in terms of a true rival for Faulk.

[democracy id="40"]

BEDARD'S PICK: Kevin Faulk.