Thoughts on Sony Michel

[Ivan]

I love that he’s a north/south runner who can run really effectively between the tackles. Nothing is more effective at mitigating a really good interior pass rush than running right past interior lineman who are trying to get to the QB. It also pays off big time late in games , as we saw in the 4th quarter against the Rams.

 

[SBLIII]

I'm hoping for a ten year career, but given his knee situation would be happy to see him give 4 years like this. The guy deserves to get that second contract to set him up for life, but I'm not optimistic about it. Want to be, though.

If he stays healthy and gives us 3-4 more years like this it's an incredible pick.

Terrell Davis got in the HOF with 4 elite years.

Not saying Sony Michel will get into the HOF but he did rush for 1,300 yards and 12 TDs over 16 games despite being injured for a good chunk of camp, the start of the season and then the Bears game.

Staying healthy is key. If he does that he will automatically be better next season due to expirience and a full offseason.

Fears and Sony will probably work hard on making him a better receiver as it will make the aging White and Burkhead expendable in the future.

 

[Simpelton]

James White is "aging" now? Dude is 27, and doesn't have a significant injury history. When we were down to one back this year guess which one it was???? Why you bagging on White?

 

[RobertWeathers]

This article is more than a week old but it's uninhibited commentary by Ivan on Sony.

Basically Ivan said because of the knee injury he hasn't been able to go full tilt. Also said Sony has no idea how good he can be.

Sony is so humble and down to earth. I love this kid.

Patriots RBs coach says Sony Michel 'doesn't realize how good he is yet'

 

[SBLIII]

James White is "aging" now? Dude is 27, and doesn't have a significant injury history. When we were down to one back this year guess which one it was???? Why you bagging on White?

Because he will be a 28 year old FA in 2020. BB might decide to move on.

 

[Simpelton]

Because he will be a 28 year old FA in 2020. BB might decide to move on.

Got a little news flash for you guys: BB doesn't move on from every UFA. What White does is very difficult to replace. not that many really good receiving backs in the league. I know he didn't have a great playoffs but the dude's been a rock for us and not everyone can do what he does.

White is not particularly replaceable until he slows down. I think he's a Patriot for the indefinite future, personally.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Got a little news flash for you guys: BB doesn't move on from every UFA. What White does is very difficult to replace. not that many really good receiving backs in the league. I know he didn't have a great playoffs but the dude's been a rock for us and not everyone can do what he does.

White is not particularly replaceable until he slows down. I think he's a Patriot for the indefinite future, personally.

White is incredibly valuable but they also aren't going to overpay for his services either. See Woody and Vereen as examples.

 

[Simpelton]

White is incredibly valuable but they also aren't going to overpay for his services either. See Woody and Vereen as examples.

Define "overpay" and then this conversation can actually happen. Your definition of overpaying, and mine, and Bill Belichick's could all be wildly divergent after all. BB might do what you feel is an overpay but what he feels is a correct estimate of the value of White's services -- rendering your statement utterly meaningless in real terms.

 

[primetime]

I'm hoping for a ten year career, but given his knee situation would be happy to see him give 4 years like this. The guy deserves to get that second contract to set him up for life, but I'm not optimistic about it. Want to be, though.

The knee issue was reported only by Mike Lombardi. There's no verification that it's real, and Lombardi's something of a hack who's failed upwards throughout his career. Until it's actually an issue, it's not an issue.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Define "overpay" and then this conversation can actually happen. Your definition of overpaying, and mine, and Bill Belichick's could all be wildly divergent after all. BB might do what you feel is an overpay but what he feels is a correct estimate of the value of White's services -- rendering your statement utterly meaningless in real terms.

More than what he made last time.

 

[primetime]

White is incredibly valuable but they also aren't going to overpay for his services either. See Woody and Vereen as examples.

Main issue is there's no obvious replacement waiting in the wing. Vereen replaced Woodhead, White (more than) replaced Vereen. I guess the question is whether they'll draft a receiving back this year. History would suggest that one of those mid rounders will be one. I do think White's a uniquely valuable player though; he's better than Jarvis Landry at similar roles and adds much more on top of that, but Landry gets paid as a receiver and White as a back.

 

[Simpelton]

Well I suppose they could re-sign Cordarrelle Patterson and try to use him as a receiving back

Guys who can do what White does as well as he does it are not easy to find. Be prepared to watch BB recognize this and open his wallet accordingly.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Main issue is there's no obvious replacement waiting in the wing. Vereen replaced Woodhead, White (more than) replaced Vereen. I guess the question is whether they'll draft a receiving back this year. History would suggest that one of those mid rounders will be one. I do think White's a uniquely valuable player though; he's better than Jarvis Landry at similar roles and adds much more on top of that, but Landry gets paid as a receiver and White as a back.

White has two years left on his deal. Hes not going anywhere in 2019 or 2020 as his cap # is very reasonable. His production is too important to this offense.

He'll be 29 when his deal is up. Traditionally its interesting age for RBs in FA but White doesn't take the pounding a 1st and 2nd down RB does.

Because the running game is so critical now it would not surprise me if they picked up another RB in the draft in the top 100 of their picks.

 

[PatsBoy12]

I'm hoping for a ten year career, but given his knee situation would be happy to see him give 4 years like this. The guy deserves to get that second contract to set him up for life, but I'm not optimistic about it. Want to be, though.

I remember reading somewhere that it's degenerative. We'll see what happens. I like the kid. He's a good player.

 

[signbabybrady]

Got a little news flash for you guys: BB doesn't move on from every UFA. What White does is very difficult to replace. not that many really good receiving backs in the league. I know he didn't have a great playoffs but the dude's been a rock for us and not everyone can do what he does.

White is not particularly replaceable until he slows down. I think he's a Patriot for the indefinite future, personally.

He had a great playoffs. 20 catches 151 yards. He was one of the stars of the Charger game. Decent AFC title game. And yes a quiet SB but all in all he had more yards this year in the playoffs than any previous.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

This guy is like as humble and likeable of a player you’ll find. He’s on sports shows saying the narraive should change to “we” regarding his running success, as the whole offense works as a group, and you can tell this genuine and not some PR to boost his value. I have no idea how Belichick constantly finds all-world athletes who are also all-world character guys. It’s just remarkable.

 

[Kdo5]

Because he will be a 28 year old FA in 2020. BB might decide to move on.

White is invaluable to this team and offense. He's not going anywhere barring a bad injury.

 

[farn]

The RBs have been the most solid, consistent unit since (at least) 2015... I have no idea why people are down on any of these guys. I was, however, surprised that White didn’t get a few more snaps vs KC & LAR... but he was amazing all year and has been a key cog since 2016. Also a team capt.

Hoping Sony can keep it rolling a few more years.

 

[TommyD4207]

White has two years left on his deal. Hes not going anywhere in 2019 or 2020 as his cap # is very reasonable. His production is too important to this offense.

He'll be 29 when his deal is up. Traditionally its interesting age for RBs in FA but White doesn't take the pounding a 1st and 2nd down RB does.

Because the running game is so critical now it would not surprise me if they picked up another RB in the draft in the top 100 of their picks.

This.

He kept Kevin Faulk into his 30s, so there's no reason to think as long as White stays healthy, keeps most of his speed and shiftiness, and keeps his ability to catch, there's no reason to think White won't be the same sort of thing.

 

[Ivan]

I hope Sony doesn’t leave because James White’s contract is up.