 It didn't take much time for LeGarrette Blount to settle back in with the offense. (USA TODAY Images) |
Well that didn't take long.
After joining the team this week following his release by the Pittsburgh Steelers, LeGarrette Blount suited up and got the "lions share" of the carries against Detroit in his first game back in New England.
 Blount was a strong contributor during his first game back with the Patriots. (USA TODAY Images) |
The veteran carried 12 times for 78-yards along with two touchdowns in the victory over the Lions, settling right back into the same offense that helped him resurrect his career last season.
Blount and teammate Shane Vereen were the only two players to carry the football Sunday, with Vereen racking up 8 carries for 12 yards. However, the majority of Blount's carries came during the Patriots final drive after he carried eight of his twelve times in their final possession, helping New England close the game out.
Prior to that it was the Patriots' passing game that did the majority of the damage, with Brady finishing 38-of-53 for 349 yards and two touchdowns. On the other side New England's defense dominated a talented Lions offense that failed to register an offensive touchdown, managing just three field goals on the afternoon.
But when he did carry the ball he played well, including a 33-yard run to start their final drive that ended up being the second-longest run of the year by the Patriots offense. His presence definitely helps a Patriots team that saw the emergence of Jonas Gray last week against Indianapolis, although Gray's oversleeping mishap made him a spectator and likely was what paved the way for more playing time for Blount.
Blount also had another big run to go with his previous 33-yard gain, which was a 23-yard run in the 3rd quarter that helped set up a field goal by Stephen Gostkowski.
Thanks to his return the Patriots now have a lot of depth in their backfield, with Shane Vereen, Blount, Gray and Brandon Bolden, helping at least soften the blow the team dealt with when they lost Stevan Ridley earlier in the season.
Belichick seemed pleased with the veteran's performance during his press conference.
"I thought LG ran good," Belichick said after the game, referring to Blount. "He had a good week, worked hard to get ready this week. I thought he did a good job for us.
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