Patriots’ RBs are “most electrifying” group in NFL, says analyst
Nate Burleson, former NFL player and current TV analyst, said he thinks no other position group in the league can compare to the Patriots’ running backs.
The crew of analysts and TV talking heads on the NFL Network’s program “Good Morning Football” were recently asked a relatively simple question: which position group on an NFL team is poised to be the “most electrifying” in 2019? In other words, not which player or which team, but which position group on a particular team is already giving that analyst chills of anticipation thinking about September.
Peter Schrager answered with the Carolina Panthers’ defensive line. Kyle Brandt gave his vote to the New York Giants’ quarterbacks (really???). Nate Burleson, who is also a member of CBS Sports’ “The NFL Today” crew, gave his answer as follows:
“I’m going with the Patriots‘ running backs,” Burleson boldly declared to his comrades. “I don’t think there’s another group that you can watch each week and not know where the ball is going.”
He makes a great point. With each of New England’s wide receivers and tight ends missing significant time last season due to injury or suspension at various points of the season, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels relied more than ever on his stable of multi-talented running backs to get the job done, move the chains, and put up points.
In the early going of 2018, it was the James White show. Then as the season progressed, Sony Michel became more of a factor and eventually the team’s workhorse. And whenever Michel missed time due to injury, Rex Burkhead picked up the slack and didn’t miss a beat.
"“Sony Michel, James White’s fantastic, Rex Burkhead is fantastic,” Burleson continued. “Damien Harris, he was Alabama’s leading rusher last year. So I think maybe the Buffalo Bills have a running back room where you can say, ‘Who’s gonna get the ball?’ Bigger names, older guys, though. When it comes to variety being the spice of life, you can’t call it who’s gonna get the ball for (the Patriots).”"
Next. Shawne Merriman bought his son a Tom Brady jersey. dark
As noted by Burleson, the Patriots’ running backs should be even more diverse and dangerous this season with the addition of third-round draft pick Damien Harris. Even Brandon Bolden’s return is a boon to the team, particularly on special teams.
The rest of the NFL had better look out in 2019.