Most NFL teams have a RB by committee. The Patriots have a RB by community.

MINNEAPOLIS – The New England Patriots’ yard sale approach at running back will be a Super Bowl 52 showcase. Just watch the Patriots’ running back bargains flipped into creative bonanzas.

The Patriots, because of their routine success, know that each year they are likely drafting near the bottom of the first round. They know they are not going to find a dynamic, exceptional running back, a Todd Gurley or a Le’Veon Bell, there.

If the Patriots had a back like that, their entire offensive approach would be revamped. But here is what the Patriots have done with James White, Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee, Brandon Bolden, and James Develin:

OK, let’s take a look here at what we’ve got. Remember now, let’s always think outside of the box. That’s our thing. Let’s also look each week at what we’re up against. What does each one of these guys do well? OK, let’s find the plays to let him do that on the field.

You might be asked to do a little. You might be asked to do a lot.

One game you might get five snaps. Another you might get 50.

Sometimes you will run it more than you catch it.

Other times you will catch it more than you run it.

Just be ready when your number is called.

“And just let loose,” Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said. “I like for our running backs to just let loose when they play. I get them ready for a smart guy like Josh. He knows what to do with them. That part is so invaluable.”

Fears is talking about Josh McDaniels, the Patriots offensive coordinator, who is seasoned and stylish as a play-caller. McDaniels will be the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. In his Patriots exodus, he wants to paint an offensive masterpiece in Super Bowl 52.

“In this game,” said McDaniels, “we have to do a lot of things well. We have to stay on the field and score enough points.

“You just learn what each guy does best. You can’t reach ‘em, you can’t teach ‘em, then you can’t coach ‘em. You’ve got to get interested in them, learn what makes them tick. We have our culture. It requires certain things. People have to back each other up. You can’t play running back in this system if you are a selfish guy. It just can’t work.”

Here is the breakdown of the Patriots’ running back rushing attempts this season: Lewis (180), Gillislee (104), Burkhead (64), White (43), and Bolden (13). These are the receptions among them: White (56), Burkhead (30), Lewis (32), Develin (6), Gillislle (1), and Bolden (1).

Sometimes you are asked to do a little.

Sometimes you are asked to do a lot.

“There are high expectations here and if you don’t meet them you won’t be here long,” Burkhead said. “Our coaches know your strengths and your weaknesses and they are always going to play to your strengths. Each game plan decides where you fit.”

But sometimes, said Bolden, it is hard to stay in your lane and sometimes it is best to step forward.

“Yes, we all do different things well,” Bolden said. “But we push each other as well. And when you see one of your teammates make a play in an area you are not so great in, it makes you want to rise to that level given your shot when a play develops differently than planned and you are called on to rise above what is expected. The way we play this game, the group we have, inspires us to do that when given the chance.”

White has emerged as the group leader. His Super Bowl dominance last year when the Patriots rose against the Atlanta Falcons is glittering NFL history. White scored the winning touchdown. He caught 14 passes for 110 yards in that game. He scored three touchdowns.

And then he scored only three touchdowns this entire regular season.

“We all have our roles on the team,” White said.

Bolden said White is the back the rest will seek out to ask questions and for counsel. Fears said White continues to show the coaching staff his versatility, that he “turns it loose,” that he is much more effective in the passing game than previously believed.

“He is so smart, so dedicated, and can do all the little things,” Fears said. “He does the extra work you’d like him to do and I don’t have to chase him to do it.”

These Patriots’ running backs trust and respect each other. They complement each other. None is singularly considered a top-five NFL back but together are an acute force. As dangerous check down receivers, they will test the Philadelphia Eagles’ bully pass rush. They will present dilemmas for the Eagles’ linebackers and safeties when in open spaces.

The group’s collective work has formed a collective bond among them.

They are quintessential Patriots.

“Whether we toss it, pitch it, or run it, I know that group is one we can count on,” McDaniels said. “They are here as a group because they produce as a group.”