New England Patriots Win Behind Exploits Of Jonas Gray
Jonas Gray was a relatively-unknown player for the New England Patriots before their game last Sunday against the Indiana Colts. However, Robert Kraft already had an idea about what the former practice squad player before the team went to Indianapolis.
Kraft told Gray that he should be prepared since he will have a good week. The encounter with the owner of the Patriots was relayed by Gray as he was surrounded by reporters. Gray had four touchdowns as he rushed 199 yards in the victory of New England over the Colts. Prior to the game, Gray had a total of 131 career rushing yards.
Jonas Gray became the first running back from the New England Patriots to score four touchdowns in one game. Gray told reporters that he will likely remain astonished with what happened during the game when he gets home.
The resilience and patience of Gray can serve as an inspiration to practice squad players who receive a miniscule amount compared to the salaries received by regular players of the team. Gray did not play in his first year at the NFL since he went through rehab for a torn cruciate ligament he suffered while in college. He spent the first six weeks on the scout team in New England before his opportunity to play came after Stevan Ridley was injured.
The exploits of Gray provided another dimension to New England, which already has Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. The added attack option will likely have other teams looking for ways to stop New England. Although Tom Brady did not have his best game last Sunday, the team still won over the Colts as Gray rushed 38 times.
While the New England Patriots would like more touchdown passes from Brady, the addition of Gray into the roster gives the team another option in case the Brady-Gronkowski connection is not working.