Sony Michel needs to bounce back in order for the Patriots to have offensive success.
The Patriots have depth at the running back position. That depth could pay dividends this season as the Patriots will shift philosophically from being predominately a passing team to a more balanced offense.
In order for the Patriots running game to be effective or as effective as it was in 2018, Sony Michel needs to have a bounce back season. Michel is the “RB1” of this group but there is plenty of talent behind him in the versatile Rex Burkhead and James White.
Second year running back Damien Harris will also have an opportunity to prove that he can be a good compliment to Michel and the other backs on the roster.
Rookie J.J Taylor out of Arizona is intriguing talent that could make this team as a kick returner and special teamer. With Brandon Bolden opting out, it could open a door for Taylor.
Here our thoughts on each running back and their strengths and weaknesses.
Sony Michel, Georgia, 5-11 214, 3rd year: Michel followed up an exceptional rookie season with a disappointing sophomore campaign. Injuries to the offensive line and the loss of fullback James Devlin and tight end Rob Gronkowski also factored into Michel’s lack of production. Michel looked like a shell of the back he was two years ago.
The Patriots need Michel to bounce back because they are going to make more of a commitment to the running game this season with a new quarterback under center. Michel will once again be the focal point of the ground game.
It will be interesting to see if the Patriots use Michel differently this season.
Rex Burkhead, Nebraska, 5-10 214, 7th year: Burkhead might just be the Patriots best all around running back. He runs hard tackle to tackle, can catch the ball out of the backfield and lines up as a receiver. He is also a solid pass blocker. Factor in that he is a key member of the special teams unit and you see why Bill Belichick and the coaching staff value Burkhead.
James White, Wisconsin, 5-9 204, 6th year: White is the Patriots primary third down back and like Burkhead, he offers scheme versatility in terms of alignment. He is a terrific pass blocker as well. White is also the team’s best goal line or short yardage running back in nickel and dime situations. White also returns kicks which makes an even more valuable commodity.
Damien Harris, Alabama, 5-10 216, 2nd Year: Harris spent most of last season inactive. He should have a bigger role in this offense this season as a first down and short yardage back. Harris is also effective out of the backfield in the passing game which makes him a good compliment to the other running backs on the Patriots roster.
The Patriots need to see what they have in Harris. He needs to get on the field this season and produce in order to validate his spot on the roster.
J.J Taylor, Arizona, 5-6 185, Rookie: Taylor was highly productive at Arizona as a three down back in Kevin Sumlin’s spread offense. He will have every opportunity to make the Patriots roster as a special teamer and a kick returner. Taylor is similar to former Patriot Deon Lewis.
The Patriots have plenty of depth at running back but they need Michel to re-emerge as the “guy” if their running game is going to be as effective as it needs to be with a new starting quarterback.