Sony Michel feels primed for a breakout season

Sony Michel has seemingly had two seasons in New England. His rookie year he was not viewed as the every-down starting running back the entire season and was limited by injuries. Even with these deterrents he ran for great yardage and was a big-time threat every time he touched the ball with a 4.5 yard per carry average on the season.

Last season, Michel was primed to be the bell cow in the backfield but did not improve on his rookie season. A little bit of a sophomore slump saw his usage increase while his production stayed the same, running for 38 more carries but 19 less yards.

If Michel can put his two years together he could be in for a huge breakout season. If he achieved the same yards per carry average from his rookie year and combined that with the usage he had last year, he would break out for over 1,100 yards this year. Given the increased focus the running game looks poised to take, there is a good possibility of that happening.

Even with the loss of Tom Brady the Patriots are still a dangerous team. In a year where they might have to exhibit more fight and grit than in years past, running the ball will become the identity of this team. That lines up will for Sony Michel to alleviate the hole in New England and continue bringing Belichick success.