Tag: Patriots running backs

Watch: Patriots RB Sony Michel jukes pair of defenders

Former Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel has looked good so far for the New England Patriots this preseason.

Former Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel has looked good so far for the New England Patriots this preseason. Michel battled a quad injury and missed time last season. Michel finished with only 449 rushing yards in 2020, but averaged an impressive 5.7 yards per carry.

Michel is a key player for the New England Patriots. If he can stay healthy, the Patriots should have one of the better stables of running backs in the NFL.

Michel turned heads against the Philadelphia Eagles with some moves after he hauled in a pass from quarterback Mac Jones.

Michel can still stop on a dime and accelerate quickly. He’s a lock to make New England’s roster.

Michel and New England dominated Philadelphia in a 35-0 victory. Michel finished with seven rushes for 34 yards and hauled in four passes for 37 yards.

The Patriots have a very talented backfield that has looked strong throughout the preseason. Former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris, the expected starter, scored a touchdown early in the contest.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England’s fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma,  followed his impressive preseason debut with a two touchdown performance against the Eagles. Lastly, J.J. Taylor had 12 carries for 93 rushing yards and scored a touchdown.

New England Patriots running back Sony Michel is stopped by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Tarron Jackson and linebacker Alex Singleton. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Overall, New England looks set at running back. Sony Michel may be the Patriots’ top pass-catcher of the group.

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Brandon Bolden describes Patriots’ running back group as ‘jelly beans’

The Patriots RB group is an interesting one.

The New England Patriots may have one of the deepest running back rooms in the NFL entering the 2020 season.

Workhorse back Sony Michel will likely get the majority of the carries after a dip in production last season. James White and Rex Burkhead provide pass-catching ability out of the backfield. Sophomore back Damien Harris is a virtual unknown after receiving only four carries in his rookie season as a third-round pick.

As far as veterans, Brandon Bolden seems to be at the bottom of the depth chart, but that doesn’t mean he’s lacking in talent. In a pinch, Bolden has filled in and performed like a lead back when necessary. Mainly, he’s spent his eight years in the NFL (seven with New England and one with Miami) working on special teams.

On Tuesday, Bolden spoke with Patriots.com reporter Megan O’Brien who asked the Ole Miss product to describe the other running backs in the Patriots’ locker room.

“I was talking to Rex about this the other day — jelly beans,” Bolden said. “You just reach in the pack, you don’t know what you’re going to pull out or what you’re going to get. You might have an exploding pack one day. You just never know. I’m actually the oldest one. It’s kind of weird for me. I’ve never been the oldest guy, for this long, in the room. It’s refreshing. They keep me young as well. They keep me on my toes. I’m excited. I can’t wait to see how this season goes.”

This season, more than any time in the Bill Belichick era, the Patriots running backs will receive a lot of attention. With either Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer expected to fill the G.O.A.T.-sized hole left by Tom Brady, a successful running game will be imperative to the success and growth of the 2020 iteration of the New England Patriots.

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