The New England Patriots could have a running back battle on their hands heading into Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. LeGarrette Blount is set to return from his one game suspension, but Dion Lewis certainly made a name for himself in the season opener and is looking for more carries. In place of Blount, Lewis had 69 yards off 15 carries while putting up another 51 yards off four catches. According to the Boston Herald, the running back forced 11 missed tackles on 19 touches with the ball. Will that production keep up with Blount back in the mix?
Fantasy owners will be eyeing this situation carefully. Blount is expected to be the workhorse running back for New England. It is clear he thrives in this offense, but he has never had to be the main guy. Last year the Patriots had Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen to take the workload off Blount, so how will he react as the full-time rusher. According to Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan, they are gearing up for Blount and not Lewis.
"That's who it's going to be," Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "That's who it would have been Week 1 [when Blount was suspended]. So the other kid is who he is. But I mean, c'mon. Blount's their guy. And I know him. He's a big, tough, stud running back."
According to MassLive.com's Kevin Duffy, Lewis and Blount are more likely to split the carries in Week 2. Blount will be the starter with Lewis as a third-down back. His versatility makes him key in the redzone while Blount thrives as a downfield rusher. Lewis is not focused on whether or not he is the leading running back. He simply told the media he wants to work hard and be there when his name is called.
"I'm a very confident person, and I work hard," Lewis said, via the Boston Herald. "My teammates know I work hard. They work hard and everybody works hard, so when somebody on the team does something good, everybody isn't shocked by it because we see it in practice. I'm always willing to work, and I want to work. I come in here every day working like it's my last day, because you never know."
The Patriots could make roster additions to help Tom Brady on offense. According to CBSSports.com, the team worked out Terrelle Pryor to help with depth are losing Brandon LaFell. Julian Edelman, Aaron Dobson and Danny Amendola will be expected to step up in his place.
