FOXBOROUGH — Brandon Bolden has made his impact mainly on special teams this season. A running back by trade, he’s landed a number of big hits on kickoff and punt coverage.
On Sunday, however, the sixth-year pro just might make an impact on offense. Depth in the backfield has taken hits over the last few weeks, and tailbacks Rex Burkhead (knee) and Mike Gillislee (knee) won’t be in the lineup against the Jets. Additionally, James White missed last week’s game with an ankle problem and was limited in practice all week.
That leaves Bolden as the only healthy backup to Dion Lewis, who has been carrying the mail efficiently and effectively throughout the second half of the season. In an ideal world, the Patriots would love to keep Lewis’s touches at a minimum to keep him healthy and fresh for the playoffs.
Bolden, who carried the ball twice for 20 yards last week against the Bills after Gillislee got nicked, is prepared to take on any extra work.
“I’m here just to do my job, whatever’s asked of me,’’ said Bolden. “Whatever happens, happens. As far as what’s going to happen? Like I said, I’m just here to do my job.’’
The 5-foot-11-inch, 220-pound Bolden said he always prepares as if he’s going to contribute in every phase of the game “because you never know what’s going to happen.’’
“I think that’s how everybody in this room feels,’’ he added. “You never know when you’re number’s going to be called, so you have to be ready. You always have to be attentive and ask questions if you have to. You have to stay on top of everything.’’
Bill Belichick appreciates Bolden’s professionalism and consistency.
“Brandon’s always been productive for us, both as a runner and a receiver,’’ said the coach. “He’s smart . . . He’s been a good four-down player for us, very dependable, durable, athletic, good size.’’
Bolden has been impressed by the Jets’ defense and said he hasn’t put much stock in the team’s 5-10 record because they’ve been in just about every game.
“This is a very competitive defense — a hard-hitting defense. They move very fast. The safeties are very aggressive,’’ said Bolden. “And they have the same mentality in the front seven that they’ve had the past six years since I’ve seen them. Just a really tenacious defense. Just really nasty.’’
The leaders of Gang Green’s defense, inside linebackers Demario Davis and Darron Lee really pop on film.
“They’re very fast linebackers that have a nose for the ball. Those guys are really instinctive,’’ said Bolden. “They come downhill and lay the boom if they have to. And they can play with their hands and play over the top and make sure you don’t get to that last level. I’m really a fan of how they play.’’
Good in a pinch
Among the more underrated performers for the Patriots has been Cameron Fleming, who has held down the right tackle spot after injuries to Marcus Cannon and LaAdrian Waddle.
Fleming has been solid and strong since assuming the starter’s role Dec. 3 in Buffalo. The fourth-year veteran started at left tackle in Week 3 when Nate Solder lined up as a tight end. It’s that versatility that has made Fleming so valuable.
“He’s done a good job for us,’’ said Belichick. “He’s played left tackle. He’s played right tackle. He’s played some other positions — guard, tight end. But when he’s played tackle he’s consistently done a good job for us . . . He’s a good run blocker. He’s a big guy. He’s strong. He’s hard to get around, but he definitely is that player that you might not play for a while, and then you put him in there and he plays pretty good. We’re fortunate we have him.’’
State title
Among the many New York/New Jersey connections that come up when the Patriots-Jets square off, one nugget often gets overlooked. Lewis hails from Blairstown, N.J., and was the state’s offensive player of the year in 2008 at Blair Academy. All the little dynamo did that season was rush for 1,243 yards and 23 touchdowns on 88 carries. That’s a mere 14.1 yards per carry . . . According to inside-edge.com, Tom Brady is averaging 13.8 yards per completion on first down and tight end Rob Gronkowski has 57 catches on first down. Both tops in the NFL . . . The Jets put running backs Matt Forte (knee) and Akeem Judd (ankle) on IR, and promoted wide receiver Lucky Whitehead and back Jahad Thomas from the practice squad . . . The Patriots will have 65,000 hand warmers for fans. Also, blankets are permitted and, if you wish to donate them, the team will collect them at the exits, clean them, and distribute them to those in need . . . One final frozen fact: The Patriots are 42-10 in games when the temperature is 34 or colder since 1993. Sunday’s forecast calls for temperatures in the teens with a biting wind.
Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride.
