Patriots Gridiron News: Sony Michel is just going to keep getting better
With another 100-yard performance and two rushing touchdowns on Sunday night, New England Patriots rookie running back Sony Michel has given the team a steady ground attack.
Another game, another 100-yard performance for New England Patriots running back Sony Michel. The scary part of it all is he is still growing on the field and will just keep getting better.
And while some critics scratched their heads as to why the Patriots would draft a running back in the first round, the 31st overall pick is showing just why the team chose his name. Of course, Michel didn’t give those critics or fans anything to gush about right away. Not only did he miss the entire preseason due to a knee injury, he didn’t come out of the gate running.
Once cleared to play, the Georgia product took a couple of weeks to get a feel for the game. At times it seemed the team was feeding him the ball too much, particularly in that Detroit Lions game. But, now we are seeing why.
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Speaking to the media Monday, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick explained how experience has helped Sony Michel improve week after week.
"“We’re going to keep trying to get him more experience, more reps and opportunities to see different things,” Belichick said, via the Boston Herald. “He’s certainly improving in all areas, he’s running hard and taking care of the ball. Those are good things.”"
In rushing for over 100 yards and two touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night, Michel helped set the tone in that first half. Not only did the team control the clock, they got out to the quick start they were preaching all week long.
More impressive, and perhaps a greater benefit is his effectiveness against different styles of defenses he has faced. For that, Belichick had more praise of the kid.
"“The defenses we’ve seen the last few weeks – from Miami to Indy to Kansas City last night -were quite different, especially on the line of scrimmage, even going back to Detroit,” Belichick said. “It’s kind of a new thing, and in some ways new things every week…in the way that they play and what they do up front.”"
What’s even more promising about Sony Michel is that the Patriots have yet to get him going in the passing game. Once that dual threat possibility is established, the rookie running back just may become one of the best rookies in the Belichick era. As he continues to grow week after week, the only thing in the way for Michel is of course his health.
Kenjon Barner gets some reps
Not only did Sony Michel and James White rip off some nice runs against the Kansas City Chiefs defense, Kenjon Barner got in the game and had a nice run.
Overall, Barner was in the game for five snaps for carried the ball three times for 16 yards. Minor production, but the hard work he has put in with the team is starting to pay off. Barner has already been cut and re-signed a couple of times which means there is something about him the New England Patriots like.
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That something is his professionalism. While his reps will likely not increase as long as Michel and White are healthy, he could be a nice fill in if either does go down for a short period of time.