New England Patriots: 5 observations from heavyweight bout in Philly

5. Running game still a non-factor

Well, the New England Patriots still couldn’t get anything going in the running game.

The running backs did factor in to the passing game with a couple effective screen passes, but as far as a ground attack goes, it was less than even mediocre.

One of the players the team really needs to step up following the bye is Sony Michel.  On Sunday, the second-year running back rushed for just 33 yards on 10 attempts.  He did have a nice run late in the game to change field position a bit, but the overall lack of effectiveness out of the run game is making life even more difficult for Tom Brady.

Help is on the way when the team gets back Isaiah Wynn at left tackle, but Michel and crew still have to do their part in finding holes and shifting by defenders.

In all, they just have to keep at it and eventually good results will happen.

"“We are just grinding things out right now,” Sony Michel said following the game, via Patriots.com.  “Trying to make plays and play complementary football out there.  With the running game, we are trying to grind it out and execute as best we can.”"

It really can’t get any worse than it has been through the first 10 games of the season.  Between Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden and rookie running back Damian Harris, someone has to get things rolling.