RADIO
LeGarrette Blount is second on the New England Patriots' depth chart, but he leads the team in carries and has been productive in an offense that's always hard to predict. Dion Lewis took hold of the starting spot while Blount was suspended for Week 1 and has looked great, especially in the passing game. But Lewis was limited by a rib injury last week, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Lewis is not expected to play this week against the New York Jets.
While the passes that usually go to Lewis will probably go to James White, Blount should take over the 6.6 carries per game that Lewis averages and lead the team in snaps for a running back. The Patriots are great at putting players in positions to succeed and Blount has been no different in his two stints with the team. Blount has averaged over five yards per carry and has five touchdowns in the last three games and, with an increased workload, will have plenty of opportunities. Although he has the reputation of a big bruising back, Blount is a versatile player for his size and he showed that with a 38-yard touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts last week.
Unfortunately there are a few factors working against Blount going into week seven and most of them will be wearing green. The Jets defense has allowed just 413 rushing yards, which is 2nd in the NFL, and they've given up just one rushing touchdown all season. To top it off, Pro Bowl defensive end Sheldon Richardson returned from suspension last week to make the Jets front seven even scarier. Putting pressure on Tom Brady will be key, and their aggression could open up some holes for Blount.
On the Patriots side, they've been dealing with a series of injuries to their offensive line. Left tackle Nate Solder was put on IR due to a biceps tear two weeks ago, and the Patriots could be without starters Marcus Cannon and Ryan Wendell, too.
Blount clearly has a tough task ahead of him, but the Patriots offense has been stellar this season. Brady makes so many plays with his arm that they can afford to stick with the run game. Blount will also get all of the goaline carries, which makes him a threat to score multiple touchdowns every week.
