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New England Patriots: Grading the 5 bold player predictions of Week 1

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 13: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots stands with teammates as Alicia Keys performs "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by video stream before the game between the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 13: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots stands with teammates as Alicia Keys performs "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by video stream before the game between the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Sony Michel (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Sony Michel (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Sony Michel did good things, but wasn’t the best Patriots running back

Entering the Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, I predicted New England Patriots running back Sony Michel would rush for over 100 yards and a touchdown.

Well, half of that bold prediction was right as Michel rushed for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to put the Patriots up 21-11.  However, he only rushed for a total of 37 yards on 10 carries for a 3.7 average.

That puts him at where he was last season as far as average yards per carry go.  In sharing the load with Rex Burkhead, James White and J.J. Taylor, Michel really didn’t have enough attempts to get going.

Also factoring in the 75 yards rushing from Cam Newton, the lack of production from Sony Michel in this Week 1 matchup was not a main factor although a couple of good takeaways from Michel’s performance was him running with power to convert a third down and also battering his way into the end zone on a goal line run.

Overall, it was an okay performance from Sony Michel, but it was nowhere close to the bold prediction as far as rushing yards go.  With the lack of practice and coming off foot injury, it will take a few more weeks to really judge Michel as the New England Patriots lead back lead back.

Grade: B-

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