Former NFL running back Reggie Bush believes the New England Patriots are the right situation for Sony Michel to succeed.
The New England Patriots have a secret offensive weapon no one has seen on the field yet and his name is Sony Michel.
Okay, there is really nothing secret about the physical abilities for the No. 31 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, but the health and how the Patriots utilize the Georgia product is what remains the mystery.
If healthy, one former NFL running back believes Michel has Rookie of the Year written all over him. In a recent interview with Patriots Wire’s Henry McKenna, Reggie Bush made the proclamation before marveling about the high expectations he has for 5-foot-11, 210-pound explosive running back.
"“I’m really excited for him this season,” Bush clamored. “You can’t go to a better team than the New England Patriots. Obviously, they love to run the ball. I think they’re going to use him in a lot of different ways. You look at the production that guys like Kevin Faulk and, most recently, Dion Lewis – the smaller backs-that they bring to the table. They love to use smaller backs in that offense, and they love to get them out of space. And then, they always put them in positions to win.”"
While it’s hard for Patriots fans to get too excited about a player they have yet to see, the intrigue is certainly there. The combination of power and speed this man possesses can only be magnified by the maturity and leadership he approaches the game with.
A three-down threat, you better believe the New England Patriots are going to find unique ways to get Michel in space. A potential home run threat whenever and where ever he touches the ball, the rookie could morph into Tom Brady’s most dangerous weapon yet as Bush further highlighted in the interview.
"“He could be the Rookie of the Year, just because of the many different ways they’re going to use him,” Bush said. “They can use him in the pass game. They can use him in the run game. Get him out in space. They can create so many different mismatches for him that I think he’s going to love it. He couldn’t have gone to a better situation.”"
We have all seen through the years what the 41-year-old quarterback has done with pass catching backs like Kevin Faulk, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead, Dion Lewis and James White. So, there is no wonder what he will do with an offensive playmaker like Sony Michel.
The only issue is when will New England Patriots fans see Michel take a live snap in an actual game. It could come in Week 1, but with the knee issue he had during the preseason, the team will certainly take their time. They have a group of versatile running backs in place where they can ease No. 26 slowly into the mix.
There is hope for Rex Burkhead in Week 1
Another running back New England Patriots haven’t seen in the preseason is Rex Burkhead.
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
After signing a new three-year deal to remain with the Patriots, the versatile playmaker is expected to do big things in the 2018 season if his health holds up. While there were questions surrounding Burkhead and Sony Michel’s availability come the start of the season, the team’s decision to cut both Mike Gillislee and Brandon Bolden indicate there is confidence about the readiness of both players.
Despite missing a lot of time through training camp and the preseason, Rex Burkhead has been back on the practice field. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll see the field on Sunday against the Houston Texans, but Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears certainly hopes so and believes he can make an impact whenever he does return.
"“Rex is a hard worker, man. Really, really hard worker,” Fears told the media on Sunday. “So it’s no doubt [once he’s done] rehabbing, I know that he’s going to come out and give you everything he’s got. He’s going to be ready to go.”"
Fears doesn’t make the ultimate decision about Burkhead playing against the Texans, but it’s clear he believes the multi-faceted running back is ready enough to play. If he does, it would take some of the pressure off the receiving group as Rex Burkhead has the ability to catching the ball out of the backfield and in the slot.
Willie McGinest says don’t sweat the lack of wide receiver depth
The New England Patriots will enter the 2018 season with just four receivers, one of which was just claimed off waivers from the New York Jets.
With Rob Gronkowski and a group of talented running backs in the mix, the team’s decision to go with just Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarelle Patterson and Chad Hansen could mean the offensive will feature a short passing game.
It could also mean the Patriots have extreme confidence in the ability of both Dorsett and Patterson. It is the unknown that could make Tom Brady’s crew struggle to begin the season or more dangerous. It all depends on how well that group of players step up and the type of creativity offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels draws up.
Former New England Patriots defensive playmaker Willie McGinest is a believer that McDaniels and Brady will find a clever way to utilize who they have on the field. In his words, it will be another season where the offense will be just fine.
"“I think Josh McDaniels and that offense, they find ways and guys will step up. I know (Julian) Edelman will not be there, but I have a lot of confidence in the running backs that they are going to utilize, whether it is running the ball or in the passing game,” McGinest said during an appearance on WEEI’s “Dale & Keefe” on Tuesday. “The tight ends with Gronk and then (Chris) Hogan. I think Phillip Dorsett is going to have a role. They have some younger players and players who haven’t played a lot who are going to have an opportunity. We always say where do these receivers come from in New England, and they come out of nowhere. They are able to come into the system and play at a certain level.”"
Who will come out of nowhere this season? There will certainly be someone and that someone may not be on the current roster. One thing we know for sure is that Julian Edelman will eventually be back on the field.
In the meantime, the New England Patriots receiving depth will be a huge challenge for the team to overcome. But, as McGinest knows, it’s a challenge his former team is up for.