During the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era, the New England Patriots generally haven’t been known as a running team. Part of that reputation comes from having the greatest of all time under center for the last twenty seasons.
Yet in more recent years, the Patriots have learned that opening up the running game will also open up the passing game for Brady.
With more depth at running back, the Pats should be able to establish a more balanced offense. An effective running attack will have a positive effect on the passing game, and vice versa. If TB12 really does have another two or three seasons left in him, preserving his arm is going to be more important now than ever.