Dion Lewis Turning Out to be a Patriots Workhorse

By David Austin Bumpus 10/5/15

 

Most Patriots fans hadn’t heard of Dion Lewis before this season started, but the young running back is making it hard for anyone to forget about him as he gets more and more playing time out of the backfield.

 

Through his first three games in New England, Lewis has 146 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and 179 receiving yards. Averaging 10 carries and five catches a game, the former unknown has turned into a popular option alongside fellow running back LeGarrette Blount.

 

Lewis has turned into quite the workhorse for the Patriots, using his speed and elusiveness to contribute a total of 15 first downs on offense. He averages about 12 yards per catch, with his longest catch of the year coming in at 40 yards.

 

The one downfall from Lewis’ first three games has been his ball control after the catch. Lewis has fumbled twice so far this season, losing one of them in a one-score game against the Bills two weeks ago. It’s hard to argue the fact that Lewis is tough and physical, but sometimes he appears to do too much and loses his grasp on the football.

 

Some may compare these struggles to former Patriots running back Stevan Ridley, who was notorious for dropping the ball in big games. Others may say that he is similar to New England legend Kevin Faulk, who donned the number 33 before Lewis was even in the league to wear it himself elsewhere.

 

Faulk, in his first two seasons, fumbled seven times and lost four of them due to the same fast paced style that Lewis has become notorious for. In the end, Faulk spent his whole career with the Patriots and amassed 864 carries and 431 receptions, becoming a household name for anyone watched games in New England.

 

Patriots fans who know that famous number 33 jersey as Faulk’s are hoping that the new owner of that jersey brings similar stats to the high powered offense this season and beyond. If Lewis continues at the pace he has through the beginning of this season, and works on his ball control, he should turn out to be any Patriots fan’s favorite player.