New England Patriots: Mike Gillislee is focused on playing better

The New England Patriots were able to escape New York with a win in Week 6. However, a costly fumble nearly helped the Jets pull off an upset.

In Week 6, the New England Patriots had their hands full with the New York Jets. Despite many believing that the Jets’ 3-2 start was just luck, they proved to be a tough test for the Patriots.

The Patriots were able to escape with a win, but a couple of turnovers made it more difficult. In addition to Tom Brady throwing only his second interception of the season, running back Mike Gillislee also lost a fumble.

Despite some high expectations for Gillislee, his first season with the Patriots hasn’t gone as well as expected. Last season with the Bills, Gillislee was able to average over five yards a carry as the backup to LeSean McCoy.

So far this season, Gillislee has totaled 290 rushing yards and a 3.7 yards per carry average. Knowing how the Patriots put value in protecting the football, Gillislee is anxious to get back on the field and make up for it.

"“Being a running back, that’s something you don’t want to do. I put it down one time and I don’t plan on doing it anymore,” he said to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. “It slowed me down a lot, [but] I have another opportunity this week, I’m healthy, so get to play the game I love. Whatever it brings to me this week, just do it.”"

The turnover by Gillislee against the Jets certainly didn’t come at a good time for him. In the past few games, Dion Lewis has been getting more involved in the offense, and so far, he has been a better runner than Gillislee this season.

While Gillislee will likely be the goal line back for the Patriots all season, Lewis is certainly earning more carries. Moving forward, the Patriots would certainly like to have a more balanced attack on offense. Brady has been forced to throw the ball a ton already this season, and they need to be able to find a way to run the football more effectively.

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Since Gillislee has struggled through six games and fumbled in the most recent one, Lewis will continue to put pressure on him for more carries.