FOXBOROUGH — Learning to work together is a vital part of the running back-offensive line relationship. And for a rookie like Sony Michel, class is in session on a regular basis at Gillette Stadium.
A sizable chunk of what he wants to get done on a regular basis depends on the five guys up front — left tackle Trent Brown, left guard Joe Thuney, center David Andrews, right guard Shaq Mason and right tackle Marcus Cannon — clearing the way on his behalf.
Along with fullback James Develin, they have done well working together over the last four games. Michel is averaging 4.4 yards per carry and 73.5 yards per game. And his 294 total yards in four games is third-best among all rookie running backs, trailing only New York’s Saquon Barkley (438 rushing yards in six games) and Denver’s Phillip Lindsay (328 yards in five games).
While Michel’s obvious physical skills play a role in his success, the larger key for him at this stage of his development is being open to the fact that the veteran offensive linemen often know more about what he might be facing than he does. The bottom line is that running the ball effectively is a partnership, and that starts with open lines of communication between the backs and offensive linemen. Michel needs to know the habits and tendencies of his blockers. And in turn, the linemen have to be aware of his running style.
“We have a great group of guys — great running backs behind us,” said Andrews. “They do a great job. They’re easy to work with. It’s something I’ve enjoyed on this football team, that open line of communication between all positions. We all have to work together."
“We definitely see things and sit with (Michel) and say ’On this play, look for something here on the back side.’ Different nuances,” Mason added. “We definitely feed off each other and talk with each other and pick each others’ brains. We try and see things through each others’ eyes.”
The whole group was clicking nicely on Michel’s 34-yard run in the fourth quarter of last Thursday’s win over the Colts. Michel took handoff from Brady and ran through a hole that was created by a pulling Mason, as well as a crushing double-team on the part of Brown and Thuney. The rookie ran to the opening, and finished it all off with a terrific stiff-arm on the way to a touchdown.
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— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 5, 2018
