FOXBOROUGH — Sony Michel couldn’t get to his locker.
The rookie running back is used to navigating a crowded part of the locker room — he’s only a couple of stalls down from veteran James White, who is popular with the media.
But after Sunday’s game, it was White who was squeezed out in favor of the three-deep mob of reporters around the rookie.
“This is the price you pay for (gaining) 100 yards,” cracked one reporter as Michel — who had finished getting dressed — turned to face the cameras with a smile.
It was a long week for Michel, who had to listen to cries he was a bust after he rushed for 50 yards last week against the Lions. But thanks in large part to the work of his teammates, he was able to put together a good week of practice. And on Sunday, he was able to flip the script and come away with 112 yards on 25 carries and his first career NFL touchdown. It was the first time a Patriots’ rookie running back topped 100 rushing yards since undrafted free agent Branden Bolden put up 137 at Buffalo in Week 4 of 2012 (which, incidentally also came after two-straight losses).
There was a familial approach to Michel in the New England locker room this week -- several veterans were clearly protective of the rookie, and went out of their way to compliment him and his skill set. The rookie made note of that after the 38-7 win.
“My teammates, the guys I’m around, they do a great job of complimenting me to keep my confidence up,” Michel said after the game. “I’m around a great group of guys. I’m blessed to be around guys like James White, Tom (Brady), the offensive line. It’s just amazing.
“I’m blessed, because going through times that aren’t the brightest, it helps you learn so much,” he added. “I’m blessed because I can say I had those times to learn from. A lot of people don’t. A lot of people may have those times coming and not know how to react to them. But me, I had a rough start — but I have great guys around me to encourage me, to stand next to me. It’s a family in here. It helps. You just have to keep pushing, keep fighting.”
The best moment of the day came early in the fourth quarter, when he put the capper on a 12-play, 90-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run, the first touchdown of his career.
Sony Michel runs into the end zone for the 1st touchdown of his career #Patriots pic.twitter.com/CUj81wb70g
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) September 30, 2018