It’s hard to find much to criticize in New England Patriots running back Sony Michel’s rookie season last year.
The first-round pick out of Georgia rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and had six touchdowns in the regular season, and then another six touchdowns in the postseason. He averaged a robust 4.5 yards per carry during the regular season, then kicked it up a couple notches to 4.7 yards per clip in the playoffs.
All in all, his inaugural NFL campaign was a resounding success. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that the Patriots might not be where they are today – six-time world champions – were it not for Michel’s impressive downfield running and continued improvement along the calendar year.