Lewis makes most of Patriots debut, etches role

The regular turnstile that is the New England Patriots' offensive backfield has its pass-catcher.

The last time running back Dion Lewis touched a football in an NFL game was Week 17 of the 2012 season, so no one truly knew what to expect when the soon-to-be-25-year-old took the field Thursday night in a Patriots uniform.

Lewis didn't disappoint, rushing for 59 yards on 15 carries and tallying another 51 yards on four catches.

"He had some really good plays [Thursday] and then there were some other things that I'm sure when he sees them today he'd like to have a couple back," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Friday. "But that's the way it is for all of us.

"We all have those calls and plays during the game. But overall, he gave us some good production running the ball and catching it. He's got some versatility."

Belichick seemed satisfied with Lewis' blitz pickup. The young back played 46 of 61 snaps, according to WEEI.

With that, Lewis may have found himself a nice change-of-pace and third-down role upon the return of LeGarrette Blount.

READ MORE

Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily