Michel has Missed more preseason time and still got more done than most of the backs in the Belichick era.

Sony Michel is going into his third season. He has had medical issues it seems every preseason since he entered the league. Michel has played in 29 of a possible 32 regular season games. He has also played in 4 post season games.

The Patriots drafted Sony Michel knowing he had a history of medical issues, including a suspected, if not reported bone on bone injury in his left knee. Which has barely slowed Michel's progress down. 

In fact penalties, blocking, and the inaccuracy of a 42 year old quarterback so far have been just as much a hindrance as the Injuries for Sony Michel.

In two seasons with the Patriots, Michel has rushed 456 times for 1843 yards, good enough to move into 21st on the teams' all time list. His 13 touchdowns have him at 23rd on the Patriots all time rushing list. If not for penalties, his career long would be higher than 34 yards, along with his rushing yardage and touchdowns totals.

Michel has also 19 receptions on 31 targets. If Brady was more accurate and was willing to work with him the last two seasons, his 19 catches would again of been a lot higher. 

That's not forgetting his 85 carries for 397 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns in the post season. 

Then the Patriots have Rex Burkhead and James White. Since 2018 White has ran the Ball 119 times for 688 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also caught just under 1400 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Burkhead carried the ball over that span 122 times for 488 yards and 3 touchdowns. Burkhead added another 410 yards and 1 touchdown on 41 catches. 

That doesn't include either's playoff stats. The Patriots went out and added Lamar Miller. Miller had 973 yards and 5 Touchdowns on 210 carries in 2018. He also had 25 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. Miller is now healthy after an ACL injury stole his 2019 season.

The Patriots also have former 3rd round running back Damien Harris and undrafted wildcat JJ Taylor. Both are unknowns with a lot of potential. 

The Patriots rushing attack isn't over there. The Patriots run a hybrid of The West Coast, Spread and Air Raid offense. Otherwise known as the "Air West Spread". These offenses work best with a mobile quarterback and the Patriots now have two.

Jarret Stidham who was considered the second best duel threat quarterback coming out of high school in 2015, who is a former receiver and Cam Newton, a 6'5" 200+ pound monster of an athlete. Both capable of taking off and destroying the defense with their feet. 

If the Patriots wanted to screw with the league, they could line Stidham and Edelman up at receiver, put two tight ends on the line with Hoyer under center and Cam in the backfield, and pick up rushing yards all day long because three of those 4 guys can run and shoot. And if I'm not mistaken, so can Sanu which adds even more options.

There's a big stink about how much of a hit the Patriots are going to take if Sony Michel is not on the field come week one. Instead of worrying about Sony, people should be worried about stopping the Patriots rushing attack. McDaniels has moved plays from page 300 to the first 50, I guarantee it. 

Belichick knows football, and with this team, if there's an offensive formation that's ever been used, with McDaniels as the OC; the two of them are likely to dial them up. Everyone was scared of the Ravens rushing attack in 2019. That's nothing compared to what the Patriots can do now that old Tom's left town. 

To the doubters and worrywarts I say,  Be afraid, be very afraid. The Patriots' ground attack is coming. Whatcha gonna do when The Patriots run all over you?