Sony Michel may not weigh in as a between-the-tackles running back at 215 pounds, but he’s certainly running like one. In fact, the New England Patriots running back is running well between the team’s guards, with his highest yards after contact coming behind center David Andrews and right guard Shaq Mason.
Here’s a look at how Michel’s yards after contact broke down in his rookie season.
Interestingly, Michel’s lowest yards after contact came on the left side, when running behind Joe Thuney. Of course, this graph shows what Michel did after contact, so his work may not necessarily be correlated with the quality of blocking. Instead, it indicates where Michel could break a tackle and find space downfield.
Michel finished the season with 209 carries for 931 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. During the playoffs, Michel exploded with six touchdown, including the only touchdown of Super Bowl LIII.
