3 Major looming issues with the New England Patriots
Consistent Running Back play
It’s been hard to diagnose who should get the bulk of touches in the New England Patriots backfield
No one to this point has been super reliable, and it has just been a huge running back by committee.
Of the 3 guys used, I’d have to argue James White should get the bulk of the touches. Coming from the backfield, White is one of the most talented pass-catching running backs there is in football. He already has over 100 yards receiving and has been one of Tom Brady’s top targets throughout these last two games.
White has a putrid 3.2 yards per carry as of right now which leaves a lot to be desired, but he his better than that stat shows. With consistent touches, I think he can really succeed in this Patriots offense.
Rex Burkhead has been very mediocre as of late. His lack of great speed and ability to burst through small holes has been a detriment, and even with his decent sample size of 24 rushing attempts, he has not been able to produce.
The Patriots seem to be using Burkhead as the primary running threat of the bunch, but that has not been working. If he doesn’t step it up soon I can easily see the Patriots moving on from him this offseason.
As far as Sony Michel is concerned, it is just too early to tell. In his first professional game, the rookie was a mixed bag. There were times he ran the ball hard and with conviction, then other times he missed open holes and showed his inexperience.
Michel can catch the ball out of the backfield but does not have the hands like James White to do it at a reliable and consistent rate. I expect Michel to slowly take over as the primary rushing down back.
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The New England Patriots need to figure out what is going on in the backfield. Dion Lewis is tearing it up with the Titans, and the Patriots look crazy for letting him walk. They need a reliable back who can take the workload off of Tom Brady and can be trusted with the ball in his hands, Someone needs to step it up and make this offense that much more lethal.