Sony Michel hasn’t exactly been the Pro-Bowl running back that a first-round pick should in his first three seasons. Since his return from injured reserve prior to Week 12, it’s been Damien Harris receiving a majority of the reps as the New England Patriots’ feature back.
During Sunday’s 45-0 dismantling of the Chargers, Michel did get his fair share of touches. The former Georgia Bulldog rushed for 37 yards on 10 carries and also brought in one tough reception for 23 yards.
However, many noticed that Michel was also doing something a little different, as he was on the field for four snaps on the punt return team. The 25-year-old has only played 40 special teams snaps in 33 snaps, and his four snaps on Sunday doubled his snaps with the unit on the season.
When asked about Michel’s time on special teams, Bill Belichick was quick with an answer.
“Yeah, we had a couple of examples of that on those, on a couple returns — just being a little more cautious there,” Belichick said on Tuesday. “But, yeah, Sony’s always had a role in the kicking game since his rookie year, since we got him, at least as a backup. So, he’s practiced there, he’s worked there and did a good job for us there.
“We’ve kind of been heavy on the roster in terms of defensive backs and wide receivers in the kicking game, and so some of those roles have rolled more to running backs, tight ends, linebackers, and defensive linemen. So, it’s been a combination of different guys and he’s one of them. He’s smart, he’s athletic, he’s tough, so he can handle some responsibilities in that area.”
The decision worked out well for Belichick and the rest of the Patriots, as New England had their best game of the season in terms of punt returns. Michel even set a pick that was integral in Gunner Olszewski’s 70-yard touchdown, a part of the play that cost them the week prior in the form of a penalty on Anfernee Jennings.
Belichick has always preached the importance of special teams, and how there’s no one too good for it. When you have a guy like Julian Edelman playing on special teams, it’s easy to spread that message.
Now that Michel isn’t the feature back, fans may be seeing more and more of him on the special teams units. And, if return touchdowns are going to be the outcome of Michel playing on the return team, it would be tough to see anybody complaining about that, including the man himself.
[vertical-gallery id=99269]