Sony Michel shifted all doubt aside after Week 3 preseason performance

Despite some doubt being put on him because of lingering knee issues, Patriots RB Sony Michel didn't let the talk stop him from impressing in his preseason debut vs. Panther

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Running back Sony Michel's preseason debut Thursday night agains the Carolina Panthers was an opportunity for everyone watching to see if the 2nd-year back was going to build upon his rookie campaign, or let lingering knee issues pause his progression in the NFL. The former took place for Michel in the 10-3 New England Patriots win, and his performance may have set aside any doubt we had about his health and progression as New England's No. 1 option in the backfield.

Michel carried the ball 10 times for 34 yards, which would have been a more handsome stat line had he not had two long runs, one of which was 30 yards, called back because of holding penalties. He also earned some goal line work on the first-team offenses final drive, but had a score vultured from him thanks to the services of fullback, James Develin, who punched in the lone touchdown of the game from one-yard out. 

The former Georgia Bulldog showed no lingering effects from a knee issue dating back to his college days. He looked spry, was able to break a few tackle, and was also elusive when he got downfield, which is something we haven't seen a whole lot from him in his short NFL career. 

"Every day is a process and a day to get better," Michel said during postgame. "Today was one of those days and it helps with confidence and looking into what we all need to improve on."

For Michel, there wasn't a whole lot to improve on in the Patriots' dress rehearsal. Aside from one or two extra moves he should not have made against defenders, the only knock on the him was that he didn't catch any passes out of the backfield, which is something he has reportedly been working on in camp. But he also wasn't targeted in the passing game, so that can't fall on him either. 

Now, it's about staying healthy for Michel. That's the biggest hurdle for him to overcome. We have now seen that he is capable of taking the next step forward in his development as an NFL running back, but staying on the field and being a reliable option every week for New England will ultimately determine if he was worth the first round pick the Patriots used to get him in 2018.