Patriots Blog: Woodhead Stepping Into Bigger Role
BOSTON (CBS) - The New England Patriots have enjoyed a solid running game this season, giving them - at times - a very dangerous and balanced attack.
Stevan Ridley has made his point in the Patriots backfield and undrafted rookie Brandon Bolden has done the same. But not much has been said about the work that Danny Woodhead has done.
That is until now.
Woodhead may soon be the Patriots go-to guy in key situations, taking over the role that was left when Kevin Faulk retired.
"Danny is obviously a very important player for us," Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said this week. "He's made a lot of critical plays, whether it's catches or runs, third-down protections or blocking blitzers. Danny has filled that role and done a really nice job with it."
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Look no further than New England's win over the Broncos two weeks ago, when Woodhead picked up two long third-down conversions. He picked up three first downs on third down in that game, and should see plenty of time against hist former team, the New York Jets, this weekend.
With the departures of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Faulk, Woodhead is now the veteran in the Patriots running back room. He's only 27, but he says being viewed as the veteran of the group doesn't bother him.
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"It's not something that I think about too much," said Woodhead. "I like to think of myself as a young guy still."
Not even questions about getting old can bother Danny Woodhead.
"You guys are starting to make me feel old," he laughed. "But, whatever it may be . . . if I am older, I guess I'm older."
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