 Blount had another big game against the Colts Sunday night. (USA TODAY Images) |
Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount has to be shaking his head a little and counting his blessings knowing how differently things could have turned out.
Blount was a free agent this past offseason and signed a contract with the Steelers that seemingly ended his tenure in New England. But following internal issues where Blount wasn't "the guy" in Pittsburgh, it lead to a conflict between the two sides that eventually resulted in his release. After it happened, it didn't take long for the Patriots to jump at the opportunity to strengthen their backfield with a guy who had enough familiarity to immediately contribute.
 Blount dominated the Colts in last year's postseaoson as well. (USA TODAY Images) |
Sunday night was a shining example of how sometimes things work out for the best, and the Patriots now have a player who can pound out tough yards heading into their match-up with Seattle one week from Sunday.
Blount didn't miss a beat against Indianapolis, looking just as dominant as he was a year ago against them when he racked up 166 yards and four touchdowns in a huge 43-22 Divisional playoff win at home. Sunday night it was more of the same, with Blount piling up 148 yards and 3 touchdowns while carrying the ball 30 times, including quite a few where he lowered his shoulder and pounded defenders backward.
"He ran good," said Bill Belichick after the game. "Really he made some great cuts in not good conditions. He found yards when there weren't a lot there and he's a tough guy to tackle. He's really a quality back. He made some great runs tonight. There were several times when he took nothing and turned it into something. Then when we had something, he got it and usually a little bit more. I thought he showed a lot of determination on the goal line to get the ball in the end zone. That was really an outstanding performance."
It was more than outstanding, and it ended up being historic. Blount's three touchdown performance moved him into first place time all-time in franchise history for postseason rushing touchdowns, with Blount now totaling seven for his career. That moves him ahead of both Curtis Martin and Tom Brady, who had previously held the mark tied with five each. Blount also set a franchise record for rushing attempts with 30.
Blount's also the first player in NFL history with multiple postseason games with at least three rushing touchdowns.
"I thought he ran the ball strong, tough," said Blount's teammate, Shane Vereen. "I wouldn't want to tackle him. I think he ran the ball well."
Vereen also said that Blount's a player who is well liked, which considering the fact players in Pittsburgh pushed for his release, clearly this is a place that he feels more at home and his attitude and performance certainly reflects that.
"[Laughs] We love LG whether he has 250 yards or five yards," said Vereen. "He's a great player, a great teammate. He's accepted around here and everybody loves him."
And they'll love him even more if he keeps running the way he did Sunday night.
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