Develin out in front with praise of Lewis
FOXBORO — Dion Lewis has enjoyed a revival this season, and James Develin is happy to have a front-row seat.
Lewis continued his recent success in Sunday’s win against the Miami Dolphins, rushing for 112 yards on 15 carries to break the century mark for the first time in his career. The Patriots running back seems to be all the way back from a torn ACL that cut his 2015 season short and still bothered him upon returning last season.
And his fullback certainly is glad to have this version of Lewis back.
“I’m really proud of him,” Develin said. “He’s done such a good job for us all year. Game in and game out, just goes out there and does what we ask him to do, and does it at a very high level.”
The running game has been a big strength this season, and it seems to be no coincidence that Lewis’ resurgence has coupled with the team’s overall success. As the Pats ride a seven-game winning streak into Buffalo this Sunday, Lewis has led the team in rushing in each of those victories.
Develin hasn’t paved the way for all of those yards, but when he’s in there, he’s made the most of his opportunities to be the back’s lead blocker.
“I’m just a lucky guy to be able to just be in front of him and block for him,” Develin said. “He’s such a dynamic runner, he makes so many plays out of little creases, and so it’s fun to block for a guy like that, and it’s a blessing to have him behind me.”
Develin certainly is blessed to have a good view of some of Lewis’ breathtaking runs, too. Lately, Lewis has been making defenders look silly on a regular basis, much like what he put on display before his injury in 2015.
“I mean, I certainly couldn’t do any of that stuff,” Develin said. “I’m always amazed by all of our running backs. We have such a great corps of running backs right now, and they all have their strengths, and they all do what they do and do it very well. It’s just fun to be out there and playing with those guys.”
The rushing attack has improved since a few subpar outings in the first month of the season, and it peaked against the Dolphins. During their seven-game winning streak, the Pats are averaging 124.9 rushing yards, which included a season-best 196-yard output against Miami.
In addition to Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead have contributed of late to form a dynamic backfield that’s allowed the offense to stay balanced. Lewis’ play has been a clear spark in the run game, but according to Develin, it seems the unit has kept the same approach all season.
“We always try to go out there and run the play and execute it really well,” Develin said. “I think it obviously starts up front. Our offensive line has done a great job, and they communicate really well, and they understand what to attack. . . . Our backs have such great strengths and talents and stuff like that. It’s tough to stop. There’s just been a lot of improvement by the attack team and the run game, and it’s been great to see.”