New England Patriots GameDay: 5 bold player predictions vs. Dolphins

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 24: N'Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots runs a route during training camp at Gillette Stadium on August 24, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steven Senne-Pool/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 24: N'Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots runs a route during training camp at Gillette Stadium on August 24, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steven Senne-Pool/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (Photo by Timothy Bouwer/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (Photo by Timothy Bouwer/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Sony Michel starts 2020 out with a bang for the New England Patriots

Can and will Sony Michel breakout for the New England Patriots in his third year in the NFL?

With a running quarterback in Cam Newton at quarterback and a solid offensive line, the only thing that can really prevent the Georgia product from being a bulldog in the running game will be injuries.

Starting off training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list after he underwent foot surgery in the offseason, Michel did return to the practice field late in camp and looked to be strong, ready and in good form entering the season.

He also appears to be mentally focused and prepared to be the lead running back in an offense that forecasts to be a run-heavy team.

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The Patriots must like the way Michel looks because they released veteran running back Lamar Miller even with second year running back Damien Harris going on IR for the first few weeks of the season.

In nearing 1,000 yards rushing his first two seasons in the NFL, Sony Michel has shown he can produce when healthy, but it is more consistency the team is looking for from their 2018 first round pick.  Expect him to flash in this Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

With Kyle Van Noy now on the other side, Michel will benefit from RPO plays due to the threat of the very dangerous Cam Newton.

In this bold prediction, Sony Michel will rush for over 100 yards and a touchdown as the ground and pound attack of the New England Patriots will look like it did in that 2018 NFL season in which Michel ran the ball with purpose in the team’s Super Bowl run.