Who needs receivers when a team has an unstoppable group of running backs?
The New England Patriots surely don’t. Bill Belichick’s team defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 36-20 in Week 3 with a rush-heavy gameplan, recording 38 carries, 250 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Patriots receivers had seven of the 17 receptions collected on the day.
Undrafted free agent rookie J.J. Taylor jumpstarted the offense and totaled 11 carries for 43 yards. Sony Michel began slow, but finished the day off with nine carries for 117 yards — averaging 13 yards per carry. Rex Burkhead was the star of the game, tallying six rushes for 49 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
According to WEEI’s Ryan Hannable, the Patriots improved to 52-1 since 2000 when they had a 100-yard rusher on the game.
Patriots improved to 52-1 since 2000 when they have a 100-yard rusher.
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) September 27, 2020
With Newton leading the rush game and the five very capable running backs involved, it’s hard to think they won’t have a few more games with players surpassing 100 yards on the ground. Damien Harris and James White didn’t play in Week 3 and their acclimation will only make the Patriots more deadly.
New England has a top-notch defense and rush attack, giving them a chance to really be special in 2020.
.png?w=600)
