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‘He can do everything.’ How undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor earned his playing time with the Patriots

When Sunday’s season opener came around, Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears felt comfortable giving undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor some playing time.

He’s earned it, Fears said.

Against the Miami Dolphins, Taylor was on the field for nine offensive snaps — and made the most of them. He rushed for 28 yards and two first downs on four carries. Perhaps the most impressive run of his day came in the third quarter when he sped through traffic for an 11-yard gain.

“I thought J.J. ran competitively,” coach Bill Belichick said. “I thought he ran hard.”

But Taylor made something clear: That showing doesn’t change much for him.