Sony Michel has always been at his best when he was part of a running back committee.

Last night we saw why and at the same time got a reminder of the player that he was at Georgia. He looked like the dynamic running back who can make plays in the running game and passing game.

It was a small sample but if the Patriots can get what they got out of Michel last night on a regular basis this season, Michel could be a difference maker.

Michel’s numbers weren’t exactly gaudy. He carried the ball 7 times for 34 yards and caught 4 passes for 37 yards. He finished with 71 yards of total offense but more importantly he proved that he can impact a game in multiple ways.

It was a departure from how the Patriots have utilized Michel his first three seasons in the league.

The Patriots wanted Michel to be more of a feature back and as a rookie, he looked like he could be that. The last two seasons however have been a difference story. Michel has gone from potential featured back to being labeled a bust.

In response to Michel’s inconsistent play, the Patriots drafted Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson in two of the past three drafts. A sure sign that they don’t view Michel as a feature back.

It is why they ultimately chose not to pick up his fifth year option this off-season.

Despite an uncertain future with the team, Michel worked hard this off season and came into camp in great shape. He has embraced being a part of a running back committee this pre-season. It has allowed the Patriots to use him in different ways and it has allowed Michel to showcase his skill set..

It is too early to tell if Michel will still make the team or get traded before the start of the season. If he is here, we can expect to see more of what we saw tonight. A back who can impact a game in a variety of ways.

Bill Belichick has some tough choices to make this summer and what to do with Sony Michel is one of them. If the Patriots chose to keep him. using him the way they did tonight is the way to go.