Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga got his feet wet switching sides, and playing fullback with the offense Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons.
On Sunday against Tampa Bay, Tonga was much more of a regular on pivotal short yardage conversions.
The 6-foot-2, 335-pound Tonga bowled over a couple of Buccaneers to set TreVeyon Henderson around the corner for the 69-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter that sealed the 28-23 win.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, during his regular Monday appearance on WEEI, was asked about what it was like seeing Tonga join the huddle for those situational full back plays.
“We all get excited,” Maye said. “We know somebody’s gonna get hit hard. He did it at BYU. He’s fun to be in the huddle with. We use him when we can. He’s doing a great job.”
The Patriots have a history of using defensive players at fullback. Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork occasionally served in the role.
Against the Bucs, Josh McDaniels even had Tonga go into motion before becoming a battering ram.
“It’s different being on that side of the ball,” Tonga said after the Atlanta game. “I rather play defense, but I’m ready to do whatever.”
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