New England Patriots player stats: 5 bold predictions

As we draw nearer to the start of New England Patriots football in 2016, let’s take a look at five bold player stats predictions.

We start with a Patriots running back doing something no one on the team has done since the 2012 season.

5. LeGarrette Blount will rush for 1,000 yards.

In some NFL cities, this wouldn’t be such a bold prediction. But because the Patriots distribute the rushing load among two, three backs over the course of the regular season, predicting that Blount will reach the 1,000-yard mark is a bit bold.

Ripple effects of Pats trading for Eric Rowe

The last running back to surpasses 1,000 yards rushing on the season was Stevan Ridley, and it was a huge help for Tom Brady and the rest of the Patriots’ offense. To navigate through the first four games with Jimmy Garoppolo under center, as well as to protect a 39-year-old quarterback once he returns from suspension, it is paramount that the Patriots establish a consistent ground game early in the 2016 regular season and sustain it through the playoffs.

As a result of a renewed focus on ground and pound, Blount will have the best season of his life.

Next: 4. Garoppolo will throw more INTs than Brady