Which Patriots running back might produce 1,000 rushing yards?

Since 2010, the Patriots have only had three running backs rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Will New England have a 1,000 yard rusher this season?

During the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era, the New England Patriots generally haven’t been known as a running team. Part of that reputation comes from having the greatest of all time under center for the last twenty seasons.

Yet in more recent years, the Patriots have learned that opening up the running game will also open up the passing game for Brady.

With more depth at running back, the Pats should be able to establish a more balanced offense. An effective running attack will have a positive effect on the passing game, and vice versa. If TB12 really does have another two or three seasons left in him, preserving his arm is going to be more important now than ever.

Since 2010, the Patriots have only had three running backs rush for over a thousand yards in a season:

·         2010: BenJarvus Green-Ellis– 1,008 yards

·         2012: Stevan Ridley– 1,263 yards

·         2016: LeGarrette Blount– 1,161 yards

Last season, rookie running back Sony Michel came onto the scene and took over as the lead back. Rushing for 931 yards, Michel helped the Patriots as a team total 2,037 rushing yards. Now, with a year of NFL experience under his belt, we’re expecting Michel to have an even bigger breakout year in 2019.

Rookie running back Damien Harris is another player who could potentially make a big impact on the ground this season. Harris is a fast and powerful runner who is similar to Michel in some ways. It’s not absurd to suggest that a power-running duo of Michel and Harris could become one of the best in the league, provided both players live up to their promise and potential.

It’s a little crazy to think that James White is now an established veteran in this league, set to enter his sixth season. It feels like just yesterday that the Pats drafted him out of Wisconsin. Over the years, White has established himself to be very effective in the passing game. He has proven – time and time again – to be a reliable option at any point in the game, in any situation… no matter how high the stakes (see footage from Super Bowl 51).

Rex Burkhead is currently preparing for his third season with the Patriots. Signing with the team as a free agent in 2017 from Cincinnati, Burkhead has also shown himself to be reliable. Similar to White, Burkhead is used most heavily in the passing game, but he will also get in the trenches and fight for yards on the ground if called upon.

After a short stint with the Miami Dolphins, Brandon Bolden came back home and rejoined the Patriots (who drafted him in 2012). Even though Bolden has crafty footwork, he doesn’t see many carries going his way. His services will be used more as a specialist than in the running game.

As a collective unit, the Patriots’ running backs are all set up to have a great year. Each and every one of them is a versatile player capable of getting the job done.

If forced to choose though, we think Sony Michel will be the one most likely to surpass 1,000 rushing yards for the Pats. His experience in the system last season, combined with New England’s desire to pound the rock more as Brady ages, sets him up as having the best chance to become the first Patriots runner since LeGarrette Blount to reach that milestone.