Fansided

5 players who New England Patriots need to be great in 2019

By William Schneiderhan

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Michael Bennett #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Michael Bennett #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 25: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets on November 25, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Patriots defeated the Jets 27-13. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 25: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets on November 25, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Patriots defeated the Jets 27-13. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Sony Michel, RB

The Patriots’ offensive plan of attack was very evident last season. It was built on long drives, short yardage throws and pounding the rock.

The team was fifth in the NFL with 2,037 total rushing yards and averaged 127.3 rushing yards per game. This doesn’t mean they didn’t score points, as they were also the fourth-highest scoring team with 27.3 points-per game.

Early on, James White got most of the reps out of the backfield as then-rookie running back Sony Michel was nursing an injury. However, when Michel came back, he was a workhorse for Brady and the team’s offense.

In total, Michel finished with 931 rushing yards and six rushing scores in 13 games and eight starts. He was the perfect complement to White, as Michel wasn’t much of a threat as a pass-catcher.

In the playoffs, Michel was just as good. He ran for 336 yards and six touchdowns, highlighted by 94 yards and a touchdown scored during the Super Bowl.

Michel is healthier and more experienced entering his second season in the NFL. As we saw last year, Brady may be slowing down a bit, so the rushing attack is needed for the offense to fully click.

Therefore, Michel needs to be that workhorse again to make sure the team’s offensive attack can be potent once more.

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