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New England Patriots: 5 winners and losers from win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Kenneth Teape

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Fans light up the light on their cell phones as they join the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a moment of silence in horning the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting before the start of an NFL football game on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Fans light up the light on their cell phones as they join the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a moment of silence in horning the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting before the start of an NFL football game on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots: 5 winners and losers from win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 5: Running back Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots evades linebacker Cameron Lynch #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a carry in the first quarter of an NFL football game on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Winner No. 2: Running Back Dion Lewis

Coming into the season, there was talk that Dion Lewis would not make the roster. The Patriots overhauled their running back position, bringing in Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee in free agency. With James White in the pass-catching role, it didn’t look like there was a spot for Lewis.

Lewis made the team but has been used sparingly. Even with Burkhead sidelined, White and Gillislee received a majority of the work. That changed against the Buccaneers.

Lewis had his best game of the season and received his most work. Lewis was on the field for 18 snaps, the most he has received this season and he made the most of it. Lewis led the team with 53 rushing yards on seven carries. He added two receptions for 10 yards as well.

With Burkhead looking set to return in Week 6, this was a big performance for Lewis. He showed that he should still be in the running back rotation even when the team is at full strength. Lewis has shown in the past he can be a threat carrying the ball or as a receiver out of the backfield, versatility the Patriots really value.

The backfield is a crowded one, but Lewis has done enough to warrant playing time going forward. His performance against the Buccaneers should afford him some touches moving forward even when all of the running backs are healthy.

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