New England Patriots GameDay: Five players to watch vs. Miami Dolphins
Sony Michel, RB
With Tom Brady stepping on the field with possibly Antonio Brown, Josh Gordon and Julian Edelman as his top three receivers, one would expect an unstoppable air attack.
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That’s exactly why this is the perfect game for second-year running back Sony Michel to get back on track. Following a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which he rushed for just 14 yards on 15 carries, expect a heavy dose of the Georgia Bulldogs alum on Sunday.
What really stood out in that game is the hesitance from Michel to really hit the holes. It was the opposite of the type of running back he was during his rookie season, certainly difference than how he performed during the team’s Super Bowl run.
Is it simply overthinking? Or is his knee not fully back to strength?
Whatever it is, New England Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears will figure it out and there will be an emphasis a more aggressive Sony Michel in Week 2, especially against a team that gave up 265 rush yards to the Tennessee Titans a week ago.
Knowing the Patriots, they will take what the Dolphins give them. With the passing game being the biggest threat, Brian Flores may sit back and dare the Patriots to run.
This is where Sony Michel will not only have an opportunity to atone for his lack of production in Week 1, but prove that he is a top 10 running back in the NFL.