The NFL recognized LeGarrette Blount’s strong start to the season Thursday, selecting the New England Patriots running back as the AFC’s Offensive Player of the Month for September.
Through three games, Blount leads the league in carries (75) and rushing yards (298) and is tied for first in rushing touchdowns (four). He’s topped the 100-yard plateau in each of his last two contests, gaining 123 on 29 carries against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 and 105 on 24 carries against the Houston Texans in Week 3.
Blount’s four rushing touchdowns — tied with Melvin Gordon, Carlos Hyde and Tevin Coleman for tops in the NFL — also are tied for the most ever by a Patriots running back through the first three weeks of a season. Corey Dillon equaled that total in 2005, and Marion Butts did so in 1994.
Blount’s hard work on the ground has helped keep the Patriots’ offense afloat in the absence of quarterback Tom Brady, who has one game remaining on his Deflategate suspension. The Patriots host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Gillette Stadium, and Brady is eligible to return the following week, when New England visits the Cleveland Browns in Week 5.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
