With another year under his belt, one can expect (barring injuries) that running back Sony Michel will take another step forward as being a productive asset to the New England Patriots offense. NFL Network’s Rich Eisen brewed up an interesting take while filling in for Peter King on Football Morning in America regarding Michel and his progression.
Eisen said in his article that he not only believes the second-year back will have a monster sophomore campaign, but he also thinks Michel “could threaten” the franchise’s single-season rushing record set by Corey Dillon in 2004.
“I think, that said, Sony Michel is going to have a monster season for the Patriots. As in threaten-the-single-season-team rushing-record monster season,” Eisen said. “Lost amongst another historic performance by Tom Brady, Michel’s playoff numbers were through the roof — 336 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns in three games.
“With Gronk swearing he’s not coming back, I’m thinking New England will lean on Michel, who had 931 rushing yards in 13 games (but just eight starts) last year. The Patriots team record for most rushing yards in a season isn’t held by Curtis Martin, by the way. It’s Corey Dillon who ran for 1,645 yards on 345 carries in New England’s Super Bowl season of 2004. Keep this in mind. Just sayin’.”
It would be a bold task for Michel to eclipse 1,645 yards. His usage within the offense likely won’t merit that kind of yardage, especially with rookie RB Damien Harris now in the mix.
