New England Patriots: Mike Gillislee a lone bright spot in loss to Chiefs

Last night, the New England Patriots were stunned in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. One running back making his Foxboro debut shined though.

By all accounts and measures, the New England Patriots were embarrassed in week 1 with their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 42 points allowed is the most ever under head coach Bill Belichick.

Through all of the garbage we saw on Thursday night, at least one running back looked pretty good. Mike Gillislee made his Patriots debut last night, and the big bodied back did his best LeGarrette Blount impersonation.

Gillislee ran for 45 yards on 15 carries. While his 3-yard per carry average isn’t incredible, he had a nose for the end zone. Gillislee scored three times on the ground, with a pair of 2-yard runs and one from just a yard out.

More from Chowder and Champions

• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
• Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win

Now, Gillislee wasn’t perfect, but he was a solid star on a night when the Patriots couldn’t ever really get going. In the first quarter, Gillislee failed to pick up short yardage when needed. James White also failed to do so in the first. Later in the fourth quarter, as the Kanas City Chiefs were making their incredible run, Gillislee again failed to pick up some key yards.

Gillislee is clearly going to be the New England Patriots short yardage and goal line back, but he’s going to have to be able to convert in those key situations. I wouldn’t expect three touchdowns per game from Gillislee each week, but he is going to get his fair share.

On a night when the Patriots offense simply wasn’t clicking, Mike Gillislee provided fans with a glimmer of hope. New England is going to bounce back, and it’ll be a lot easier if Gillislee is able to do what he did on Thursday night.

Next: Patriots are on to New Orleans

Gillislee in the Patriots will have a shot at redemption in week 2 as they take on the New Orleans Saints. Brandin Cooks will be making his return to New Orleans, and Tom Brady will surely look to place the deep ball for him perfectly. Improvements are needed all around for New England, but it’s not over yet.