The early-season offensive struggles from the New England Patriots are distant memory as the team continues to look like Super Bowl contenders. Tom Brady and the offense continue to operate without too many struggles as the run game begins to take the spotlight over the wide receivers. A week ago it was Jonas Gray emerging as a true star while in Week 12 it was a familiar face putting up touchdowns for the team.
In Week 11 Gray, an unknown at the time, put up 201 rushing yards and four touchdowns in a win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Patriots were having running back issues after an injury to Stevan Ridley and the emergence of Gray was a welcomed sight. Fantasy owners flocked to grab the running back who appeared to be the next great weapon for Bill Belichick to work with. However, those owners were disappointed when Gray got a total of zero points in Week 12.
Gray did not step onto the field against the Detroit Lions in Week 12 after the running back was reportedly late to practice on Friday. ESPN's Josina Anderson reported that Gray missed practice after he overslept and Belichick opted not to play him despite his breakout game.
"I'm glad we got the team win. I think it would have stung more if I didn't play and we would have lost the game," Gray said, via ESPN.com. "I'm happy for these guys and I just wish I was able to contribute to the win, but I was glad that we came away with the victory and these guys played great."
The disappearance of Gray was not an issue considering the mid-week move the Patriots made to grab familiar face, LeGarrette Blount, off the free agent market. Blount was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers and signed with the Patriots a day later, just one season after putting up career-high numbers for with the team. The move paid off as Blount scored two touchdowns in the game, making an immediate impact off 17 carries.
"I was prepared for anything," Blount said. "I came in and they told me just be prepared for whatever we use you for, so I made sure I was ready. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't assume anything. Like I said, they told me to come in here and just be ready for whatever role they put me in and I just came here prepared to do whatever they wanted me to do."
Shane Vereen got the start for the Patriots and had 62 snaps on the day, but it was Blount that made the biggest impact on the day. Fantasy owners should start to think about dropping Gray and picking up Blount because history shows that once a player is in the dog house with Belichick, they are not leaving any time soon.
