The most important player to every AFC teams’ playoff hopes
By Joel Deering
New England Patriots (9-5)
Most important player: RB Sony Michel
It’d be easy to choose Tom Brady as the most important player to this AFC teams’ playoff hopes, but I’m going with rookie RB Sony Michel. Brady hasn’t looked like the same the QB we’re used to seeing, especially lately. He’s not the QB who can continuously make plays through the air without having much help on the ground.
That’s where Michel comes in. In every single one of their five losses so far this season, Sony Michel has rushed for less than 60 yards. Since Michel started playing in the second week of the season, the Patriots have won just one time when he’s rushed for less than 60 yards.
When Michel has rushed for over 60 yards, the Patriots have won every time. Why is that the case? Again, Tom Brady isn’t the type of QB anymore who will beat you by throwing 50+ passes a game. He needs more help now. Brady needs a RB who can take the pressure off him in the passing game.
Bill Belichick needs to get Michel running the ball early and often. Michel needs to get the attention of the defense. When he’s done that, Brady’s job will be a whole lot easier. He won’t be forced to throw some of the bad passes we’ve seen from him recently.
I believe the Patriots can still be one of the best teams in the AFC. They just need to change their game plan a little bit from what they’re used to doing. Less Brady might actually be good for them. Feed Sony Michel.