Bill Belichick is known for having some favorite players.
One of them is reserve running back Brandon Bolden, who sees time both on offense and on special teams for the New England Patriots. Following the trade of Sony Michel earlier this season, and with a focus on the running game around rookie quarterback Mac Jones, Bolden has taken on more of a role with the Patriots offense this season. He entered play on Week 18 with 37 carries for 180 yards on the ground, along with 39 receptions for 385 yards and a touchdown.
As noted, he also plays a role on special teams, and it was there where the veteran found himself in a little bit of controversy early against the Miami Dolphins. With Miami facing a fourth down, the Dolphins decided to fake the punt, and Bolden found himself face-to-face with the scrambling punter.
That’s when this happened:
A flag was thrown for unnecessary roughness on this play 🥴🥴🥴
pic.twitter.com/AdBAYK3Gv3— PFF (@PFF) January 9, 2022
Bolden was flagged for unnecessary roughness, and instead of the Patriots taking over in Miami territory, the Dolphins kept possession. Both Bolden and his head coach were incredulous, but the call was allowed to stand. Miami would tack on a field goal at the end of the extended possession to take a 17-point lead.
Bolden, however, would get a little redemption on the Patriots’ ensuing drive:
Brandon Bolden puts the @Patriots on the board! #ForeverNE
📺: #NEvsMIA on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/SsJC8MDAgL— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2022
While Bolden typically is used as a receiver and on draw plays, here the Patriots run him behind fullback Jakob Johnson. Miami fits this run really well from a defensive standpoint, and Bolden is forced to make a cut behind the line of scrimmage. But he picks up the first down by evading the initial defender, and then cuts to the left side of the field behind blocks from Nelson Agholor and Jakobi Meyers, and races into the end zone for his first rushing touchdown of the season.
And perhaps some well-deserved redemption from the earlier penalty.
