New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is a fan of running back Brandon Bolden. Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Patriots in 2012, Bolden has been a consistent staple in the Patriots running back room, spending all but one of his 10 NFL seasons in New England.
Bolden signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2018, but returned to New England the following season, signing a two-year deal.
This season, he has been a favorite target of quarterback Mac Jones, and has helped mentor the quarterback, as the latter goes through his first season in the NFL. On the year, Bolden has recorded 30 carries for 169 yards. He has also been a valuable target in the passing game, recording 34 catches for 303 yards and a touchdown.
Ahead of Saturday’s game with the Indianapolis Colts, Belichick was not afraid to praise Bolden on Thursday during a press conference.
“He’s a good personality that blends that serious, competitive, business side with enjoying the process and enjoying what we do and giving us some of his best performances at the most critical times and biggest games when we need them most. And he’s always done that, whether it’s a couple plays a game, or catching five or six passes in a game, or taking over James [White]’s role this year. He’s always ready to go. He’s dependable, he’s consistent. Everybody knows we can count on him whether that’s in the kicking game or offensively catching a ball, blitz pick-up, running the ball.”
Bolden’s versatility may come in handy, as the New England Patriots begin to make a playoff push with a rookie quarterback under center. Bolden is no stranger to the postseason, having played in 16 postseason games in his career. with new faces on both sides of the football, Bolden’s steadfast presence will be welcome.
