New England Patriots: Jeremy Hill helps his case to make the team

In the first preseason game for the New England Patriots, Jeremy Hill took a big step toward making the team.

The New England Patriots were able to start their preseason on a very strong note, as they defeated the Washington Redskins. In the 26-17 win, some big names on the Patriots didn’t play as we expected, as Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were held out.

However, there were some players that are playing for roster spots that saw a lot of action. One of those players was running back, Jeremy Hill. This offseason, Hill came over from the Cincinnati Bengals, but with a crowded backfield, a roster spot for Hill certainly is not guaranteed.

Against the Redskins, Hill was able to have a very strong debut for the Patriots, as he totaled 51 rushing and one rushing touchdown on 11 carries. Hill’s main competition for a roster spot will likely be Mike Gillislee. Last year, Gillislee had a disappointing season for the Patriots, and his spot on the roster is in jeopardy.

In the win, Gillislee had the most carries of the three running backs with 14, but he had the lowest yards per carry average at 3.1. In addition to those two running backs, Ralph Webb had a nice game with two rushing touchdowns. However, as a runner, it was Hill who impressed the most.

Even though Hill’s production has slipped since his 1,000-yard rookie season, he is still just 25-years-old. By no means is he an old player or declining because of age. On the Patriots, he will be trying to get back to being the player that we saw in 2014 with the Bengals.

With one good preseason game in the books for Hill, he has certainly helped his chances of making the team as of now. While there will still be three more preseason games and a lot of practices, Hill has set the tone for the running backs hoping to make the roster.