By Jordan Long
The New England Patriots are preparing to take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The Patriots were worried that running back Rex Burkhead sustained a serious knee injury in the game against the Steelers last week. The injury occurred during the 3rd quarter and Burkhead did not return. An MRI revealed that there was not a tear and it was only a knee sprain. The Patriots are optimistic Burkhead will be back for the playoffs, but his status for the rest of the year is unknown.
Burkhead is a large part of the New England Patriots’ offense. He can run the football with 264 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. His average yards per rush is an impressive 4.1 yards. When Burkhead runs the football, his size at 5 foot 10 inches makes it difficult for 1 defender to wrap him up. It takes 2 or 3 to take him to the ground. Burkhead’s yards make 2nd and 3rd downs easier for the Patriots to gain 1st downs.
Burkhead not only runs the football but the defenses must watch out for him going out for passes. When he catches it, it is often for long gains and touchdowns. Burkhead has a total of 254 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
Burkhead is an immense loss for the Patriots for the final 2 games. Defenses have to game plan for him because of what he can do on the field. Now that he is out, the running game isn’t as dangerous. Opposing coaches must find a away to slow down quarterback Tom Brady in the passing game.
The Patriots can’t send Burkhead back out there after this week. One week may not be enough for him to heal. They should rest him until the playoffs. They are most likely going to have a 1st-round bye, giving Burkhead plenty of time to be ready to play. He could be the reason why the New England Patriots make another deep run to the Super Bowl.
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