EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- At the start of the preseason, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said the team would rotate its running backs to give them a chance to get in a rhythm.

Veteran Fred Taylor got the most time with the first unit, which is a sign that he will be the first back with the ball in his hands in the season opener.

Here is the preseason breakdown of running back snaps:

TOTAL SNAPS
BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- 48
Thomas Clayton -- 40
Sammy Morris – 39
Laurence Maroney -- 39
Fred Taylor – 30
Kevin Faulk – 28
Chris Taylor -- 17

GIANTS (Game 4)
Laurence Maroney -- 27
Thomas Clayton -- 25
Fred Taylor -- 10
Kevin Faulk -- 4
Sammy Morris -- 3
BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- 1

RAMS (Game 3)
Sammy Morris – 16
Kevin Faulk – 15
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 10

FALCONS (Game 2)
Fred Taylor – 20
Sammy Morris – 18
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 16
Thomas Clayton – 8
Kevin Faulk – 6

SAINTS (Game 1)
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 21
Chris Taylor – 17
Laurence Maroney – 12
Thomas Clayton – 7
Sammy Morris – 7
Kevin Faulk – 3