Rex Burkhead credits Patriots teammates after career performance

FOXBORO – On Sunday, Rex Burkhead had one of the best games of his career when he finished with three total touchdowns in the Patriots win over the Las Vegas Raiders. When asked if he could recall the last time he scored three times in one game, Burkhead said he thought college but it was tough to remember.

It actually happened twice in college for Burkhead. He last accomplished the feat on Oct. 29, 2011 when Nebraska beat Michigan State. He scored two rushing touchdowns and [...]

FOXBORO – On Sunday, Rex Burkhead had one of the best games of his career when he finished with three total touchdowns in the Patriots win over the Las Vegas Raiders. When asked if he could recall the last time he scored three times in one game, Burkhead said he thought college but it was tough to remember.

It actually happened twice in college for Burkhead. He last accomplished the feat on Oct. 29, 2011 when Nebraska beat Michigan State. He scored two rushing touchdowns and one receiving like he did against the Raiders on Sunday. Burkhead also scored three touchdowns (including two passing touchdowns) the year before in 2010.

When asked about his success with the Patriots, however, the veteran credited his teammates and offensive coordinator.

"There’s a lot of factors there. Really, just trying to do whatever role is giving me to the best of my abilities," Burkhead said. "Coach (Josh) McDaniels does a great job of that and (being) put in positions to succeed. Anytime I get my number called, I just try to do that. When you have great teammates out there along your side like we do, it definitely makes your job easier."

Burkhead finished with a career-high eight total touchdowns in 2017, which was his first season in New England. Last year, the back finished with three scores. On Sunday, he led the offense, but said he was push by his fellow teammates. Running back Sony Michel finished with 117 rushing yards and rookie J.J. Taylor led the team in carries with 11 to go with 43 rushing yards

"We fed off each other," Burkhead said. "It always helps us out. We love competing, but we root for one another when we’re out there making plays."

mdaniels@providencejournal.com

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