Two weeks ago, it looked like New England had a new edge this season.
While Sony Michel may lose its prestige as the Patriots’ most productive backfield dog, the torch is unlikely to pass this week.
Damien Harris, one of the patriots’ education stars, allegedly underwent finger surgery last week and could start the normal season on the disabled reserve list.
Lamar Miller, the productive and flexible veteran he signed in mid-August, has spent the entire camp on the roster physically undefied and lately is on the Patriots roster.
With James White’s skills strongly inclined towards aerial play and Rex Burkhead more suited to replace the speed role, Sony Michel will likely enter next Sunday’s first game of the season opposed to the Miami Dolphins as the first choice for the Patriots.
The 2018 first-round national team has maintained the name since the beginning of his career at the Patriots, however, his starting position in danger this summer following an interest-free crusade in 2019 that saw his 4.5-3.7 hand average drop and his prospect to receive.remain almost non-existent (12 receptions, 94 yards, no touchdowns in 16 games).
Out-of-season foot surgery and an era of prolonged recovery, some idea that it would stretch in the normal season, were not the case for Michel. The 25-year-old opened camp on the PUP list and missed the first 12 practices before returning to the field on August 26.
Ball carrier coach Ivan Fears said Michel “got heavy” after his operation and needed to lose weight. Two days after his return, Michel claimed that he was “working (his) way” at full speed, rejecting the concept that he would have “new legs” after his long break.
With the adjustment opening in a week, this procedure is still ongoing.
“I’d just say I feel better,” said Michel, who took the full component in all the education of the education camp after leaving the PUP.”Every day is a picture in progress. Every day is a day to improve for me.(At the beginning of the season, you’ll never feel in good shape, so for me, I’m just running to get better.I feel good. I’m just going to keep looking to build from there.”
Michel stated that his long absence from the box had delayed him, but he is convinced that he can oppose Miami.
“I wouldn’t say (I’m) stuck, ” said Michel, “because I can’t make up for the days I lost those guys have.But I’d say I’m in a smart position where I can get better.I feel smart. I like my position. I’m going in the right direction.”
With a new mobile quarterback under Cam Newton and primary marks on the open receiver and closed wing, the New England offensive can rely heavily on ground play this season.
Of the 8 ignored games and wings closed in the original 53-player Patriot lineup, seven have scored less than forty-five passes in the NFL.Five (N’Keal Harry, Gunner Olszewski, Ryan Izzo and rookies Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene) fell below 15.Veteran Julian Edelman (599 career receptions) is the exception.
The Patriots backfield has 3 experienced fullbacks, plus a sophomore candidate for Harris.Miller, who was released in the final, could also join the team in the coming days or weeks.
However, neither Harris nor Miller contribute much, if at all, to Week 1, and the highlight will be squarely on Michel.
“I would say I’m in the most productive position imaginable right now so I can play in the first game and be able to perform as productively as I can,” Michel said.”The educational staff, the educational staff did a wonderful task preparing me for this opportunity.All I can do is go out and give everything I’ve got.