New England Patriots

Steven Jackson: Playing alongside Brady is 'everything I thought it'd be'

Published Jan. 7, 2016 4:48 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Steven Jackson will likely go down as one of the best running backs in NFL history, currently sitting at No. 18 overall in terms of career rushing yards (11,438). Tom Brady will be regarded as the same at his position, giving the New England Patriots two guys with plenty of experience and ability ahead of the divisional round.

Jackson has barely gotten a sniff of the playoffs in his career, though. He's made the trip to the postseason just once, which came in his rookie year in 2004. By joining the Patriots, he knew he'd be in the playoffs once again, and was well aware of the greatness of the guy handing him the ball.

Via Ryan Hannable of WEEI:

“It’s everything I thought it would be,” Jackson said of playing alongside Brady. “True field leader. He has a great pulse of the team, knows how to motivate guys. You understand why they win around here.”

Jackson is obviously excited about reaching the playoffs for the second time in his 12-year career.

“It’s been a long time,” Jackson said. “It’s been a long time. The last time I appeared in a playoff game was 2005. You get the feeling, but at the same time, all things considered it’s been a long time.”

Jackson is seemingly the lead back in New England now after carrying it 14 times for 35 yards in Week 17. Brandon Bolden and James White will play a role as well, but the Patriots will likely ride Jackson as their ground-and-pound back.