By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Let’s just assume that newly drafted Patriots running back Sony Michel is 100 percent healthy. The Pats aren’t worried about his injury history, anyway. Well, if Michel can stay in one piece, the 2018 first-round pick has a chance to be one of the most dynamic and productive backs of the Brady-Belichick era.
Watch above for Sony Michel Rose Bowl highlights, the back’s biggest game of the 2017 season and a tantalizing glimpse into his future with the Patriots. Michel touched the ball just 15 times (11 carries, four catches), but really made the Oklahoma Sooners pay by gaining 222 yards from scrimmage and scoring four touchdowns. His biggest play was a 75-yard touchdown run that immediately answered an Oklahoma TD drive to keep the Bulldogs in the game. He also eventually scored the game-winning touchdown in double-overtime in the outrageous barnburner, which the Bulldogs won 54-48.
Jan 8, 2018, Atlanta, GA, USA: Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel runs the ball past Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Christian Miller during the third quarter in the 2018 CFP national championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Many of these plays show you right away why Bill Belichick and the Patriots love Michel. He’s a decisive runner with great strength and field vision, blowing through arm tackles and breaking away in open space. His smarts and vision are what make him such a big-play threat despite being a “flashy” or “shifty” kind of back. He usually makes one cut at most when he gets to the second level, but he was practically unstoppable in those situations during his time at Georgia.
Michel will also contribute well in pass protection, which won’t show up on the stat sheet. But it’s clear that he will have an opportunity in front of him to excel as potentially a three-down back in the Patriots system. With good-enough blocking up front, Michel could break off some seriously big plays.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
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