FOXBOROUGH – No more caution, no more load management. The playoffs are here, and it is now time for the Sony Michel experiment to end.
For better or worse, and so far it has been much, much better, Rex Burkhead has to be the lead back for the New England Patriots.
Even in a crushing 27-24 defeat here at Gillette Stadium to the lowly Miami Dolphins, Burkhead again drove his candidacy to the top of the ground-game ticket.
Same pathetic Dolphins defense across the way on Sunday, running behind the same so-so offensive line:
Burkhead ran for 8.0 yards a carry (6-48), and Michel just 4.1 (18-74).
This is no coincidence. For the year, Burkhead, James White and even journeyman Brandon Bolden own healthier rushing averages than the sub-par 3.7 put up by the 2018 first-round draft pick out of Georgia.
Factor in Michel's inability, and on Sunday his desire (see Eric Rowe's pick-six) to catch the football. Then toss in the fact that his yards after contact consistently ranks at the bottom of the NFL class, there is no reason to continue the charade.
New England's offense, which has wavered badly in this 4-4 second half to the season (250 points scored in the 8-0 start, 170 since), can't wait for Michel to find it.
The Patriots need Rex in effect. And they need him now.
(Olindo Longo for BSJ)