DENVER — Most NFL players are beginning to lag by the time December rolls around. Bumps and bruises begin to pile up after the toll caused by three months of the regular season plus a month and a half of training camp and preseason.
That’s not the case for Patriots running back Dion Lewis, who set career highs in rushing attempts and yards Sunday in New England’s 16-3 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Lewis sat out the first nine games of the season after undergoing multiple knee surgeries. He looked like himself again Sunday, but he’s still improving as he begins to feel more and more comfortable on his surgically repaired knee.
“I’m still feeling better every week,” Lewis said. “I just have to keep working, keep pushing and taking care of my body, and hopefully I can keep building every week.”
Sunday’s matchup with the Broncos was expected to be a game for LeGarrette Blount to keep building on his 1,000-yard season. Instead Lewis led the Patriots in rushing attempts early in the game while Blount served as the closer.
Lewis’ heavier workload likely was partially because of matchup, but it also could be an attempt to preserve Blount, who has 265 carries this season, for the playoffs.
Lewis, who tore his ACL in Week 9 last season, is just happy to be on the field.
“I would take five plays if I could,” Lewis said. “I just want to play. That’s what I love to do: play football, so just playing is a blessing for me.”
Thumbnail photo via Chris Humphreys/USA TODAY Sports Images
