New England Patriots: Why 2021 is make or break year for Sony Michel

The NFL career of Sony Michel has been a rollercoaster to say the least. There have been some highs and plenty of lows. But when it comes to his time with the New England Patriots, 2021 will be a crucial season for the running back.

2020 was a weird year for Michel just as it was for many other players. Damien Harris leapfrogged Michel and became the feature back for the Pats.

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Last season Michel only started six games and appearing in nine. The running back racked up 449 yards and a touchdown on 79 carries.

Why 2021 is a make or break season for New England Patriots running back Sony Michel.

It now seems clear that the Patriots want to see more from Michel. They made that clear when they announced that they would be declining his fifth-year option while picking up Isaiah Wynn’s.

Wynn will have something to prove but he will be under contract for the 2022 season. If Michel doesn’t perform this season, he very well could be gone.

There’s no doubt that Michel has had some great moments. He was a major help in 2018 when New England defeated the Rams in the Super Bowl.

Michel simply couldn’t be stopped. He nearly ran for over 100 yards in each game. In the Super Bowl, Michel had 18 carries for 94 yards and scored the only touchdown of the game.

But since then Michel hasn’t performed as well. Consistently Patriots fans have seen him struggle to gain yards and fail to find the end zone.

Especially now, New England has the talent to survive without Michel. Harris will continue to be the every down back, while James White continues to operate more as a pass catcher than a ball carrier.

Also in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Rhamondre Stevenson in the fourth round. While the bruiser isn’t likely to get a lot of playing time, he has a great opportunity to make a name for himself in short yardage and goal line situations.

Even after that, you have J.J. Taylor and Brandon Bolden returning to the roster. If Taylor once again is able to get a few snaps and break off some long runs, Michel could find difficulty getting on the field.

If Michel struggles once again, he will have played his last season in New England and will go down as one of the worst busts in franchise history.

Being selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, Michel hasn’t lived up to expectations. He just hasn’t been as reliable and consistent as a first-round running back should be.

Michel needs to show up in 2021 or he will be packing his bags and leaving New England for good.