Make no mistake. Reggie Gilliam did not leave the Buffalo Bills just to play special teams for the New England Patriots.
“I love playing fullback. I love whether it’s running my head into a wall or being out running a route,” said Gilliam. “Whatever it may be, I’m up for the challenge.”
With Josh Allen and James Cook basically dictating offense to Coach Sean McDermott in Buffalo, Gilliam was much more of a factor in the kicking game than he was on offense.
Hungry for a bigger share
He averaged playing 80 percent of the plays in special teams over the last three seasons with the Bills, while seeing the field for just nine, 15 and 21 percent of the offensive snaps over the same span.
Gilliam is more the fired-up for the challenges of the Josh McDaniels’ offense and the OC’s affinity for using the fullback early and often.
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“Everybody runs the same plays. They just call it something different,” laughed Gilliam of his adjustment here.
“It’s been a lot of fun, just knowing anybody can be anywhere (in this offense). You really have to learn conceptually. You can’t just learn what you’ve got on this play – what the X, Y, Z has on this play. You have to know the whole picture. Josh has been great with that.”
Fitting the Patriots mold
At 6-feet and 244 pounds, he fits the physical mold of a couple guys that excelled for McDaniels at the position – James Develin and Jakob Johnson.
You have to feel that a major part of being here in New England is to help TreVeyon Henderson to be a bit more disciplined in the run game. Henderson welcomes the help.
“It’s been great. We’re glad to have Reggie. It’s a great addition to this offense. He’s really going to help us win games. We’re grateful to have him, and I’m grateful to run behind him, too,” said Henderson.
“You’re able to run with a lot more confidence (behind a fullback). The more blockers, the better.”
