Heres my conspiracy theory and I hope its right (but its not because in a close game like that you use what you can to win).Why did the Patriots not use the running backs in a shorter passing game? Conditions? 3 catches for 8 net yards. With rookie receivers it seemed like this was an option but pretty much nothing. The running back in the flat seems to be a regular feature of the offense of pretty much every NFL team but the Patriots haven’t really looked for like they did earlier in the year. Which is weird since they have a guy that is so very good at it.
They are saving Big Game James for the Playoffs. Less hits. Less film. Playoffs well in hand so why show your hand. Actually been using him more as a runner and putting that on film and on DC minds.
(That and the RBs have had to block alot lately...)