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5 bold predictions for New England Patriots in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 03: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots on the sideline during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 03: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots on the sideline during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots predictions, Sony Michel
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 03: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots has a long gain in the snow against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

4. Sony Michel will rush for over 1,200 yards

Michel is a perennial breakout candidate for the Patriots but there are plenty of reasons to think 2021 will be a banner year for the talented running back. Even though New England has spent massive resources to retool their passing attack this offseason they still will be a run-first offense in 2021.

That puts Michel in line to soak up serious carries. Look for the Patriots to employ a lot of read-option looks with Cam Newton at quarterback. Those plays are going to give Michel a lot of interesting rushing lanes to capitalize on.

The lack of a viable No. 2 running back on the Patriots’ current roster also works in Michel’s favor. He’s in line to get a ton of carries. If things go well for New England he’s got a chance to blow past 250 carries during the regular season.

This prediction clearly hinges on Michel staying healthy for a full 16 (or 17) game season. If he does he’s got a chance to put up big numbers for Belichick’s offense. He needs to have a giant season if the Patriots are going to challenge the Bills for supremacy inside their own division.

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