A sophomore slump is a familiar term in the sports world. So many players make an impact in their rookie season, but when teams get film on them, there can be a bit of a drop in production. In 2019, Sony Michel struggled to really get going, but in 2020, he’ll need to reassert himself for his team’s success but for his future as well.
Michel finished his second season with 912 yards and seven touchdowns on 3.7 yards per attempt. Fans and media split the blame between Michel and the lack of talent in front of him on the offensive line. In his rookie year, he proved to be a solid runner with a fullback to lead the way. With James Develin out for 14 weeks (and then back-up fullback Jakob Johnson missing the final 11 weeks), Michel was unable to get a whole lot going. Not to mention the toe injury to left tackle Isaiah Wynn that kept him out eight weeks, or the blood clots that caused center David Andrews to miss the entire season.
Now, Michel has many reasons to step up in 2020.
The first is the depth at the running back position in New England.
If Michel gets off to a slow start, fans will start clamoring for Damien Harris to get a shot. Harris was selected in the third round of the 2019 draft and spent his rookie year on the bench watching and learning. He could be the spark that’s needed to jump-start the offense. Michel, as a first-round pick, doesn’t get the same leeway that a mid-round pick, like Harris, would.
Rex Burkhead, if he survives to the offseason cuts, offers more versatility and had a higher yards per attempt (4.6) than Michel last season. He may take some touches away from the former Bulldog if he starts slow. And, if he starts slow, he could play himself right out of some money.
While most players entering the NFL will only have four years on their rookie contracts, first-round picks may be given a fifth year at a higher pay rate. Teams have to make a decision on whether or not they will use the fifth-year option before the player enters the fourth year of their rookie deal. Michel will have to make the most of 2020 if he wants to secure a solid paycheck in that 2022 season.
The fifth-year option pay rate is a little hard to explain. For a player selected from 11th overall to 32nd, their option is worth the average salary of the 25th highest-paid to 3rd highest-paid player at their position.
For example, this offseason, before any of the free agents have even signed, the fifth-year option is slated at $5.5 million. And, again, that’s before guys like Derrick Henry, Melvin Gordon, Kenyan Drake, etc. get paid. That number is only going up, and Michel can earn that option by performing well in his third year.
Whether or not Tom Brady is playing in New England or not, the Patriots’ offense will feature the running back more in 2020. If Brady is there, it may be to take some of the pressure of the aging quarterback. If he’s not, it will be to make it easier for a new quarterback. As a first-round pick who had an incredible run as a rookie in the postseason, Michel needs to be the guy to help out.
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