Patriots Gridiron News: Sony Michel one Bulldog of a running back
After another 100-yard rushing performance, rookie running back Sony Michel showing just why the New England Patriots drafted him in the first round.
New England Patriots rookie running back Sony Michel a first-round bust?
Think again.
The Patriots offense looked smooth Sunday against the New York Jets and it wasn’t just because of the return of Rob Gronkowski.
There was a rushing attack that took pressure off the passing game and leading that attack was the University of Georgia product selected with the 31st pick of the 2018 NFL draft.
With 133 rushing yards on 21 attempts, Michel looked very much like a Bulldog sniffing out holes and running for long gains.
That’s not even including a couple of long runs called back due to holding penalties.
Still, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, Sony Michel and the Patriots running game complimented the passing game greatly, showing a balance in the offensive play calling that the team needs to be successful.
While the offensive line can take a lot of the credit, Michel’s downhill running and vision was the greater impact. He also showed toughness after leaving the game briefly following a lower back injury.
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Overall, the rookie is just happy to help the team win and also happy with the team’s commitment to the running game throughout the game.
"“That’s just us being able to play Patriot football,” Michel said following Sunday’s 27-13 win. “We want to be physical. When you’re physical, you can run the ball, you can throw the ball. It’s almost like you control the line of scrimmage and do what you want to do. Coach [Josh] McDaniels has a great plan and we’re excited to go out there and just execute it.”"
Highlighted by a 33-yard run reminiscent of his college days, Sony Michel provided that physicality. The same physicality that will be needed against a tough defensive front that the Minnesota Vikings will bring to Gillette Stadium in Week 13.
If Michel has a good game against that defense, it will really be a show. If he can just stay healthy, the New England Patriots offense will be hard to stop.
Running game gets stronger
Suddenly, the New England Patriots running back depth is once again a strength of the team’s offense.
The Patriots announced Monday that they have activated veteran running back Rex Burkhead off injured reserve and released offensive lineman Matt Tobin.
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Burkhead, who was placed on IR following Week 3 with a neck injury, planned to be a major part of the offense heading into the season. Now, returning in Week 13, he is another running back Tom Brady can utilize in the passing game.
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Along with Sony Michel and James White, Rex Burkhead adds to the multi-dimensional look the New England Patriots can show opposing defenses on any given play. Like Michel, it could take a game or two for him to get his footing back, but he’ll certainly impact the offense as long as he remains healthy.