X-factor Lewis thrice as nice
RB makes NFL history
FOXBORO — The Patriots were without Dion Lewis for the postseason last year. Or maybe, we should say, they were missing their X-factor.
Ever since they brought him aboard in 2015, all that happens when Lewis plays is the Patriots win. They’ve never lost with him on the field.
After last night’s 34-16 divisional round win over the Houston Texans, his perfect record remained intact, as the Pats are now 16-0 in games in which Lewis has appeared.
Is it just a coincidence? Or is there something more to Lewis’ presence in the lineup equaling victories?
It was certainly hard to argue with his contributions last night, especially in a game the Patriots weren’t at their best, particularly on offense. Tom Brady uncharacteristically threw a pair of interceptions, equaling his total on the year, while Lewis fumbled a kickoff to create a third turnover.
Lewis, however, more than made up for his gaffe.
All he did to help the cause, and prevent the unthinkable from happening with a Texans upset, was catch a 13-yard touchdown pass, scoot in from the 1, and take a kick back 98 yards.
That’s three touchdowns, three different ways, as he checked off the boxes in the receiving, running and return game. The kickoff return was the first in Patriot history.
Lewis is the fifth Patriot to score three touchdowns in a playoff game and he’s the first player from any team in in the Super Bowl era to score on a rush, a catch and a kick return in a playoff game.
“I’m just staying ready, doing whatever the coaches ask me to do,” Lewis said. “They had a great game plan, great plays, and there was great execution on those plays.”
Lewis, however, kept kicking himself over the fumble that set up the Texans touchdown, and drew the visitors within 14-13 in the second quarter.
It spoiled his night. But ultimately, his performance overrode the one fumble. After all, he’s trying to make up for lost time. He wasn’t sure if he’d make it back at all from his knee injury and subsequent setback, but he made it, and he’s making defenses pay.
“He’s played well all season and he’s worked his way back from injury,” tight end Martellus Bennett said of Lewis, who was playing in his first career playoff game. “It’s good to see guys like that have success.”
Lewis tore his ACL in the eighth game last season. The Patriots were on their way to being 8-0. This year, he came off the physically unable to perform list on Nov. 20 at San Francisco, which is when the Patriots went on a seven-game win streak to end the year. Last night, they made it eight.
“I’m on a great team. I got great teammates, a great coach and a great quarterback,” Lewis said. “So, it ain’t me. Believe that.”
At the very least, he’s part of it. He is an X-factor, especially for the offense. Lewis’ addition gives offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels more options and versatility out of the backfield, and in turn, makes it tougher on defenses. Given his ability to run, and also catch the ball, defenses aren’t quite sure if it’s a pass or run play when he’s in.
He caught the ball in the left flat and took it 13 yards in for the first score of the game. Then Lewis got a few blocks, but basically showed off his breakaway speed in going the distance, taking the rock 98 yards for a kickoff return.
“He’s a phenomenal football player and a great asset to our team,” said Julian Edelman, who also had a big game. “It’s great to have him out there.”
Lewis is a difference-maker, something they don’t have in their backfield when he’s not there. He helps produce victories.
“He made some big plays for us,” said Brady. “That kickoff return was incredible, that touchdown catch, the run. He did a great job.”
Not many people have produced a game like that, especially in the postseason.
“It feels good, but I’m not thinking about that,” Lewis said. “It’s nice we won, that’s the most important thing. I’m happy we won. Feel bad. I feel like I let my team down a little bit (with the fumble). But I’m going to enjoy the win.”