Rookie watch: Running backs step up in Patriots win

Coming into Monday, almost every position has been impacted by one of the Patriots’ rookies in 2022 except for running back.

Cole Strange has been a starter since day one on the offensive line. Jack Jones and Marcus Jones have provided sparks on defense and special teams. Tyquan Thornton shined in a win over the Browns, while Bailey Zappe filled in admirably for Mac Jones and still can be found trending on Twitter during games.

Meanwhile, rookie backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris had combined for nine yards on five carries, struggling to find playing time despite an injury to Damien Harris. It truly looked like the biggest impact either would have all season was Strong committing a crucial penalty in Minnesota by running into the punter. However, an injury to Stevenson on Monday night gave Harris and Strong an opportunity. Here’s how they and the rest of the rookie class performed.

Pierre Strong, A

A fourth-round pick, I’ve been wondering all season why Strong had yet to see much time on offense despite injuries to Damien Harris and Ty Montgomery. Strong was considered by some to be a late-round sleeper pick but had yet to find his footing. Man, did he break out when the Patriots needed him the most. Strong ran five times for 70 yards, aided by a 44-yard run to help the Patriots tie the game early in the second half. He added his first career touchdown later to all but seal the win. Oh, and he also added two receptions for 20 yards. The Patriots needed him to step up, and he delivered.

Kevin Harris, A-

Harris was the other back who made an impression on Monday night as he helped in the immediate aftermath of Stevenson’s injury. Although the numbers don’t look at great as Strong’s, Harris provided crucial yards to help move the ball and capped it off with his first career touchdown, a tough 14-yard run to help put the Patriots ahead.

Marcus Jones, A-

Jones did a little bit of everything for the Patriots on Monday night, impacting the game on offense, defense, and special teams. He caught one pass for 12 yards on offense while returning punts and kicks on special teams. However, his most significant impact came on defense, where he played a season-high 67 snaps in place of the injured Jalen Mills. Jones finished third on the team with eight tackles, allowed only three receptions on seven targets, and recorded his first career interception. He also provided this bone-rattling hit:

Brenden Schooler, B+

Schooler continues to make an impact on special teams, adding yet another tackle and providing good support down the field in the kicking game.

DaMarcus Mitchell, B

Only playing special teams, Mitchell made an impact with a season-high two tackles.

Cole Strange, B-

This was a strange game (no pun intended), as the Patriots offense didn’t do much on Monday. However, the Patriots effectively ran the ball for the first time in weeks, and Mac Jones was only sacked once on 36 dropbacks. This was Strange’s best game in a few weeks.

Tyquan Thornton, B-

Thornton caught four passes on five targets but for only 28 yards, as the Patriots had to rely on a short passing game against the Cardinals’ blitz packages. I blame the coaching for Thornton’s inability to break out, as his speed is not being utilized. Thornton was supposed to be a deep threat but had an average target depth of just 3.2 yards, according to Pro Football Reference. It would be nice to see his speed in action.

Incomplete: Jack Jones (left early with injury), Bailey Zappe

Inactive: Sam Roberts