FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — While most of the preseason spotlight for the New England Patriots focused on who was missing at quarterback, there was just as much uncertainty surrounding the running back position.
LeGarrette Blount was re-signed in the offseason after just missing his second career 1,000-yard season because of a late hip injury. In addition, Dion Lewis, the team’s primary receiving option out of the backfield, was working his way back from surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee.
James White filled Lewis’ absence admirably at the end of 2015, though he clearly was still learning in his second year in the league.
But as the Patriots (10-2) prepare to head into what should be their toughest four-game stretch, they suddenly find themselves with lots of options at a position once clouded with questions. They will be needed as New England closes the regular season by facing three winning opponents over the final four games.
All three running backs were showcased Sunday in New England’s 26-10 victory against the Rams. Blount had the best day, adding to his growing highlight reel with a juke-filled 43-yard touchdown for the game’s first score.
“We always preach that we have to start fast,” Blount said. “If you can do that you know you can get everything else rolling, and you can open up the playbook and call the plays that we play.”
Blount has rushed for 957 yards and 13 touchdowns – already his most productive year with the Patriots. He’s 43 yards shy of reaching 1,000 and 51 yards from passing the career-best 1,007 he had as a rookie in 2010 with Tampa Bay. If he reaches 15 touchdowns, it also would set a single-season mark for a Patriots running back.
Lewis made his second start Sunday since returning to the active list Nov. 13. He continued to look comfortable on his surgically repaired knee, moving well into cuts after receptions. White was also in the mix, posting his fourth straight game with at least four receptions.
With the newfound depth, the coaching staff also has shown its willingness to try some two-back sets featuring the smaller Lewis and White. It appears to be proof that New England feels it has the personnel to keep defenses guessing.
“I think it’s like anything else we do,” Coach Bill Belichick said. “Whatever formations and groupings we run and plays we run, we try to gain an advantage, and where we think we can gain an advantage we try to take advantage of it.”
That could change game to game, he said, based on the looks that defenses show. But just having that flexibility should help keep all three backs fresh as the playoffs approach.
It will be even more important as the Patriots make adjustments in the passing game with tight end Rob Gronkowski now on injured reserve following season-ending back surgery.
Whatever challenges lie ahead, Blount said he and his teammates would adjust.
“Football does start after Thanksgiving here,” he said. “We have to kick it into gear and we have to do all the things that we need to do, and take the necessary steps to make sure that we continue to play good football.”
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