New England Patriots: 5 observations from Week 16 win over Bills
By Ben Porter
Neon Dion Lewis
The Patriots are famous for their use of multiple running backs every Sunday. It’s almost impossible to predict who will lead the rushing attack every week.
This week, however, it was no secret who would get the lion’s share of the carries. With James White and Rex Burkhead sidelined by injuries, it was Dion Lewis who did the majority of the work out of the backfield on Sunday.
As the bell cow, Lewis rushed 24 times for 129 yards and a touchdown, while adding 5 receptions for 24 yards and another touchdown.
I’ve been saying this for a long time. Dion Lewis is the most talented back on the Patriots roster. He’s dynamic, versatile, and explosive. In my preseason predictions, I predicted that Lewis would lead all Patriots running backs in total yards. He’s ahead by a long shot.
Now, it’s becoming clear that Neon Dion is not only the best back on the roster, but our best bet to succeed as well. When Lewis is in the game, good things happen.
I will admit, though, that it was nice to see Mike Gillislee get some carries after a few healthy scratches. I’ve heard legends that Tartarus, the mythological abyss the Titans were imprisoned in, is much easier to escape from than Belichick’s doghouse. It’s nice to know he’s alright.