Despite repetitive injuries throughout the season, the New England Patriots rookie running back Sony Michel has performed admirably – even exceeding many expectations. Michel has rushed for more than 100 yards four times this year, including a 116-yard performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 16. All in all, Michel needs just 119 more yards to reach the thousand-yard mark in his rookie season. Coincidentally, the Patriots are going up against the New York Jets, whose run defense gives up an average of 126 yards per game. The weak Jets run defense could crumble under Michel’s relentless rushing ability.
Sony Michel Poised for Thousand-Yard Rookie Season
The Final Countdown
The math is on Michel’s side. While the Patriots may be taking on a new quarterback in Sam Darnold, the Jets defense remains relatively the same. During the first matchup between the Jets and the Patriots this year, Michel ran for 133 yards and one touchdown. He would have run for more had he not been injured and kept off the field for a few plays. If he can repeat that performance, Michel will have no problem breaking 1,000 yards. Even if he finishes the game with zero touchdown, he’ll finish the season with six touchdowns – more than adequate for the first-round pick.
Sony Michel's back seemed to get bent back. Trainers were looking at that area on the sideline. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/oewuBaoLwZ
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) November 25, 2018
Running With Friends
Of course, there is one last hurdle for Michel to cross before breaking the thousand-yard mark: Rex Burkhead.
Since Burkhead’s return from Injured Reserve, Michel’s load has lightened up. However, splitting carries with a healthy Burkhead could eat into the 116 yards Michel needs to cross the finish line. Then again, Burkhead hasn’t seen an average of more than 25 yards per game since returning from IR. Instead, he’s been used as an alternate to James White, whose rushing and receiving yardage has dropped significantly since Burkhead’s return. So while Burkhead could eat into Michel’s rushing game against the Jets, it seems far more likely that he’ll eat into White’s receiving game. If that’s an indication that the Patriots are saving White for their playoff stretch, then that’s just fine with us.
Name a better O line then the patriots…… I’ll wait 😂😂😂😂 #Gopats
— Sony Michel (@Flyguy2stackz) November 25, 2018
Rookie Running Backs in Patriots History
Michel is far and away the best rookie running back to ever take the field under head coach Bill Belichick. In 2006, Laurence Maroney set a rookie rushing record of 745 yards – a feat that Michel has already surpassed. Another touchdown would put him over Maroney’s six rushing touchdowns, which Michel has already tied.
Another breakout performance would thrust Michel into the category of “Top Five All-Time Rushing Rookies” for the Patriots, joining players like Leonard Russell, Robert Edwards, John Stephens and Curtis Martin.
He may not be the team’s all-time greatest rookie running back, but he’s earned his snaps. He’s arguably been the team’s best draft pick, outperforming his peers in a class that has been riddled with season-ending injuries.
Last Word on Sony Michel Against the Jets
In a back-and-forth game between the Jets and the Green Bay Packers, the Jets surrendered nearly 130 yards. They surrender an average of 126 rushing yards per game, and have allowed 16 rushing touchdowns through the season. Put simply: The Jets don’t have a run defense. Their up-and-coming quarterback can’t save them from the likes of Michel, White and Burkhead. Don’t expect Todd Bowles to be of much help either, considering he’s on the short list of coaches expected to be fired next week.
And the news that has been clear for weeks: The #Jets are expected to fire coach Todd Bowles following the 2018 season. Story here https://t.co/GFgdqCLmx1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2018
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