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For years, the Patriots offense was centered around Tom Brady and throwing the football. Then, things shifted philosophically during the 2018 season. The emphasis was on running the football more. Bill Belichick used the team’s two first round picks in that draft on offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn and running back Sony Michel, both out of Georgia.
Michel looked like a lead back during his rookie year rushing for 931 yards and 6 touchdowns. Since then however, it has been a different story. Michel hasn’t been the same back the last two years despite showing the occasional flash.
Michel’s inconsistency and inability to stay on the field prompted the Patriots to draft Alabama running back Damien Harris in the fourth round of the 2019 draft and Oklahoma’s Rhamondre Stevenson in the fourth round of this year’s draft.
The team also declined to pick up Michel’s fifth year option which means he is a free agent after this season. Part of the reason they did not pick up his option is the emergence of Harris, who had a breakout season in 2020 as the featured back. Harris runs with good power and has deceptive second level speed. He is a one cut and go runner. He doesn’t waste time in the backfield looking for a second cut.
Harris is also good in pass pro and can be used in the passing game, especially on screens.
The Stevenson pick was a bit of a surprise. It was also a pretty good indication of what the Patriots think of Michel.
Stevenson is very similar to former Patriot running back LeGarrette Blount. Stevenson isn’t the athlete Blount was but he is a better pass blocker and receiver. Stevenson emerged as the feature back at Oklahoma last season but he didn’t carry the ball a lot in his college career so he should be pretty fresh physically entering his rookie season.
Of course Stevenson will replace Rex Burkhead who after tearing his ACL against the Texans last season, signed with them this off-season.
James White was re-signed this off-season on a one year deal. White will once again be the sub package back and depending on down and distance, will be moved around in formations to generate match ups, something White specializes in.
Brandon Bolden returns after opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. Bolden will primarily play special teams but will also rep at running back as well. The Patriots are a game plan specific offense so if there is a way to use Bolden in a game, Josh McDaniels will.
In a move that caught people’s attention, the Patriots signed Tyler Gaffney. Gaffney was with the team in 2014. At 6-0 220, Gaffney is a big back who runs with good power and balance and is elusive in space. Despite being a good scheme fit, it is hard to imagine Gaffney making the team.
Fullback Jakob Johnson should be the only fullback on the roster but he could face some competition from Dalton Keene who may get more reps as a fullback in an effort to prove he is more versatile. Johnson however is a favorite of the offensive staff.
The Patriots have four running backs that could contribute and make an impact. Harris will be the starter but Michel will get a fair number of touches. Stevenson will have to earn his touches. The Patriots know what they have in White.
If Harris takes the next step, the Patriots offense will be more balanced and the more balanced they are, the better it is for either Cam Newton or Mac Jones.