Dividends on MICHEL pick starting to pay off EDIT: paid off

[long distance]

There were plenty of eyebrows raised when Pats didn't bring back Lewis and used #31 pick for a RB.

While Patriots statistically had a decent running game in SBLII they struggled quite a bit in last yrs postseason. They nearly lost the home AFCCG after they couldn't get anything going on the ground and struggled to convert short yardage situations throughout the season. It was clear watching BB on the sidelines and seeing him abandoning running game on a regular basis that he would not tolerate that anymore.

Lewis was a very nice piece of Pats rushing committee but didn't really establish himself as strong lead back option and struggled in clear running situations esp. short yardage. Last postseason he rushed for combined 134 yds in 3 games (45 per game) and zero TDs.

Today Sony Michel rushed for 129 yds (5.4 per att.) and 3 TDs. Its not only about Sony of course but his skill set and execution is a big part of efficient NE running game. Not only that this kind of running game (186 yds per game last 3 weeks!) opens up the whole offence and takes the burden and the risks off TB but also helps milking the clock and closing games. It also brings very important balance to the offence that becomes less predictable and more difficult to prepare/game plan for.

Here are general O stats of last postseason (average numbers per game over 3 playoff games):
22 rushes for 86 yds (3.7 ypa) --- 47 passes for 384 yds

Today:
34 rushes for 155 yds (4.6 ypa) --- 44 passes for 343 yds

Over last 3 games this season (average numbers per game over last 3 games):
37 rushes for 186 yds (5.0 ypa) --- 34 passes for 235 yds

This kind of balance and efficiency is hard to stop for any D - esp. pass rush heavy D.

If they can keep this going it also presents favourable matchup vs KC since they continue to struggle vs the run. Whats bailing them out is Mahomes'/Reid's magic that lets them play with big leads and opposing teams have to abandon the run early. It was also the story of their last comfortable win over IND - where they still surrendered 87 rushing yds on just 14 carries (6.2 ypa!)

Back in Oct KC allowed 173 rushing yards (4.6 ypa) to NE who had a very balanced attack again: 35 passes and 38 rushes. So it does bode well that NE RBs and OLs are healthy and humming..

With confidence in the running game it was no surprise (or at least it shouldn't have been) BB elected to receive first -- electing to receive and making sure KC doesn't get a head start or big lead is likely to be on BBs mind again next Sunday so that he can keep the balance throughout the game and unbalance KC D playing to their weakness..

 

[RobertWeathers]

"BUT MIKE, SONY SUCKS. HE BLOWS. "

 

[long distance]

Lots of credit has to go to great OL play . but the lines Sony finds and exploits are just unbelievable:

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

We’d be 17-0 with Lamar Jackson instead.

 

[maust]

He's still no Lamar Jackson

 

[long distance]

Here running through bunch like the bodies don't exist for him:
(remember how Pats struggled last years running on short 3rd/4th downs?)

 

[DropKickFlutie]

Here running through bunch like the bodies don't exist for him:
(remember how Pats struggled last years running on short 3rd/4th downs?)

Looks like Allen, Brown, Develin made a huge hole

 

[long distance]

Looks like Allen, Brown, Develin made a huge hole

Huge? They did a very good job for sure but its Michel's timing (patience & vision) and elusiveness that makes it so efficient compared to last yr f.e..

There are better examples with better camera angles (can't get them atm) that show what unbelievable vision this boy has..

 

[RobertWeathers]

Lots of credit has to go to great OL play . but the lines Sony finds and exploits are just unbelievable:

Watch Gronk on both of them....moving bodies

Its what separates him from A-hole on KC

 

[Angelpats]

A lot of our running success today was due to excellent run blocking.

 

[long distance]

Watch Gronk on both of them....moving bodies

Its what separates him from A-hole on KC

No question. Sony & Mount Brown are the new pieces here though..

 

[StockingAnarchyNumber12]

"BUT MIKE, SONY SUCKS. HE BLOWS. "

Should have drafted Lamar instead...

 

[Kdo5]

Huge? They did a very good job for sure but its Michel's timing (patience & vision) and elusiveness that makes it so efficient compared to last yr f.e..

There are better examples with better camera angles (can't get them atm) that show what unbelievable vision this boy has..

I definitely think Sony's contributions have been understated. The run blocking has been terrific but Michel deserves his share of credit for his vision and the dude runs hard.

I've heard the "my grandmother could run through that hole" line all too frequently this season to diminish Michel.

 

[TheRazorsEdge]

To be able to run effectively when all 11 guys on the other side of the ball know its coming is pretty awesome.

 

[mosey threetupu]

Michel was awesome today. Always thought Lewis was more than a little overrated by this board.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Hopefully brady has his terrell davis now. Bradys still way better than elway of 96-97 but if he declines a bit in a season or 2 we are capable of being a run heavy team.

For now, certainly helps having a rb that will force teams to respect the run for a change. Looking forward to see if michel can duplicate this performance in kc. Excellent pick

 

[Patriot Missile]

Georgia just keeps churning out RB’s to the NFL. Glad we got to have another one here after the volleyball game catastrophe.

 

[Wheelman]

Lots of credit has to go to great OL play . but the lines Sony finds and exploits are just unbelievable:

Great post! I didn't realize how good that long run really was!

 

[supafly]

Aside from craving a more athletic LB, I didn’t mind the pick in the least. We needed to draft a high round RB since the position hadn’t been addressed in years. I feel the same way about WR going into the draft, this year.

 

[Coolade2]

Lamah !!! coulda swoahn they was gonna take lamah.!