Patriots Gridiron News: Dion Lewis Emerging as a Pass Protector

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan | Jan 4, 2017

Dec 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) gets tackled during the second half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis is not just running and catching the ball, he is also evolving as a blocker.

Dion Lewis is healthy and contributing in more ways than one. Not only is the small statured running back carrying the ball and catching the ball, he is also giving Tom Brady some pass protection. Speaking to the media Tuesday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick applauded his running back’s ability to pick up the blitz.

"“It’s definitely been a catch-up area for him,” Belichick said Tuesday via NESN. “But he’s worked hard to do that, and I think a lot of pass protection — I mean, those backs are almost always giving up some size unless it’s a secondary blitzer. They’re usually giving up some size to the linebackers and occasionally when they have to block a defensive end or a defensive tackle if it’s a particular blitz scheme.”"

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At 5-foot-8, 195 pounds, Lewis is the smallest player on the roster and usually the smallest player on the field. His ability to play big has become a positive for the Patriots’ offense because he doesn’t have to come off the field in obvious passing downs. In that affect he keeps the defense honest on a potential draw play or he can release off a block become Brady’s check down.

Because he is small, one would assume the average 6-foot-2, 250-pound pass rusher would overpower him, but Belichick states it’s not just size that makes a running back good in pass protection, it’s also his strength and positioning.

"“It’s really about leverage and pad level and just being in front of him long enough so we can get rid of the ball,” Belichick continued. “It’s not like a running play where an offensive lineman has to get movement and create space for the runner to get through. It’s just a question of staying in front of the guy so the quarterback can get the ball off.”"

Since returning from an ACL injury, Lewis is starting to find himself in the power running game as well. He has averaged 15 carries per game over the last three weeks of the season and serves as the perfect complement to LeGarrette Blount in the ground attack.

Tuesday workouts: According to a report by NESN, the Patriots reportedly worked out two veteran free agents on Tuesday. Those players included cornerback Tharold Simon and tight end Rob Housler.

The 6-foot-3, 202-pound Simon was a member of the Seattle Seahawks when they lost to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. He has 19 tackles, one interception and three passes defended over 20 career games.

Houser is a veteran tight end who has played with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears. He has 109 receptions for 1,166 yards with one touchdown in his career. Both players could be depth moves as the Patriots only have two true tight ends and the Cyrus Jones injury could leave them a little thin at cornerback.

Next: Bill Belichick Gives Caserio His Stamp Of Approval

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