New England Patriots: Dion Lewis playing well in lesser role
Dion Lewis flashed a glimpse of the past in New England Patriots’ win over the New York Jets
It’s been a windy road for Dion Lewis.
The 149th overall pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2011 draft has faced as much adversity as any player on the New England Patriots’ roster.
“I’ll be back better than ever,” This is what Lewis told reporters, three months removed from a fractured fibula in the preseason of 2013.
Lewis was a Cleveland Brown then, determined to get back on the field and earn a spot on the Browns’ roster. After a strong showing in training camp, Lewis looked primed for a role in Cleveland’s offense. However, a fractured fibula made worse by ligament damage put the 23-year old running back’s career on hold.
2014 wasn’t any better for Lewis. After failing to crack the Browns’ 53-man roster, he spent one week with the Indianapolis Colts before being released. In February of 2015, he inked a deal with the Patriots.
Lewis leveraged a strong training camp and preseason into a spot on New England’s 2015 53-man roster. He immediately revealed himself as the Patriots’ newest hidden gem, posting 622 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns in seven games.
In Week 9, versus the Washington Redskins, Lewis’ breakout season came to an abrupt end. A torn ACL would find him on season-ending IR for the second time in three years.
New England Patriots
Lewis’ knee required a second surgery before the start of the 2016 season. What was reported as a “clean-up” procedure left the running back on the PUP list until midway through November.
377 yards from scrimmage was all Lewis could muster in seven games last season. A three-touchdown showing in the Divisional Round would prove to be his highlight of 2016.
Lewis entered 2017 with a chip on his shoulder. After two seasons whittled down due to injury, some considered him a player on New England’s roster bubble while others considered him an asset open for trade.
Nevertheless, Lewis returned to the Patriots’ 2017 roster and has since shown the ability many thought had been lost.
Lewis averaged 42 offensive snaps per game during his breakout 2015 season and an average of 23 offensive snaps per game in 2016. Through six games in 2017, Lewis has seen his average snap count reduced to 15 per game.
While his role has been limited this season, Lewis has still managed to contribute. In the Patriots’ last three games, he’s amassed 123 yards and two touchdowns on a moderate 22 carries.
With Mike Gillislee, James White, and Rex Burkhead rounding out the Patriots’ running back group, New England can preserve Lewis’ carries for when they’re needed most rather than tasking him with workhorse responsibilities.
Lewis returned to vintage fashion on Sunday, slashing through the New York Jets’ defense for 52 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. He turned broken plays into first downs and punched in New England’s first touchdown.
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In Week 6, Lewis flashed glimpses of the running back who faked-out Miami Dolphins and made Dallas Cowboys miss. If New England can manage his touches, Lewis can stay healthy and serve as a major x-factor in the Patriots’ backfield.