During a season of thanks, the Patriots have expressed their overwhelming gratitude toward the Jets, who released Woodhead on Sept. 14 in order to sign wide receiver David Clowney. Four days later, the Patriots scooped up Woodhead, and he's since transformed into a valuable part of their offense.
Next Monday, Woodhead will get his first chance to play against the Jets, and that’s just another reason to look forward to this all-important affair.
Woodhead signed with the Jets as an undrafted rookie in 2008, and he remained with New York until his September release. After the Jets used a fourth-round draft pick on running back Joe McKnight, who was more heralded out of USC, it appeared as though the organization favored McKnight's potential upside over Woodhead's reliability.
And the Patriots have been more than fine with that. Woodhead has 344 rushing yards, 230 receiving yards and four touchdowns in nine games with the Pats. He's been a valuable complementary back to BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Woodhead has been able to fill into Kevin Faulk's role with alarming success.
Because of that, the Patriots gave Woodhead a two-year contract extension, and he's the only running back on the roster who is locked up past this season.
Woodhead isn’t a vengeful person, but he'd certainly like to give the Jets a first-hand look of what they've been missing.
This was the third installment of a 10-day series that will highlight 10 reasons to get excited for the Patriots-Jets matchup next Monday night.
Sunday: A week and a half of trash talk
Tuesday: Will Wes Welker take his talents to Revis Island?
