New England Patriots: 5 unsung heroes of the 2018 NFL season
Sony Michel
Sure, production wise, New England Patriots running back Sony Michel is already recognized as a major part of what the team did this season on the ground, but it is how he did it that makes him an unsung hero.
The rookie out of the University of Georgia played a larger role quicker than expected with injuries to Jeremy Hill and Rex Burkhead. With a total of 931 yards rushing and 6 touchdown’s in just 13 games played, Michel made believers out of those who were critical of the team using a late first-round pick on him.
Labeled as injury prone, what stuck out about Sony Michel in 2018 is his toughness and ability to play through injury. Along with his maturity, Michel’s competitive nature quickly justified Bill Belichick’s decision to take him in the first round.
It all came together in the playoffs and Super Bowl where Michel averaged 112.0 rushing yards per game with six rushing touchdowns, including the go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl LIII.
In all, it was his ability to be effective on the ground that really allowed the New England Patriots to change what they wanted to do on offense on the fly.
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While it did appear the team wanted to emphasize the running game more before the season even started, Sony Michel staying relatively healthy and productive through the last part of the season and into the playoffs allowed them to use the rushing attack as a major offensive weapon.
With a season under his belt and room for improvement, it will be interesting to see what Michel does in 2019.