/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61598991/1043749416.jpg.0.jpg)
After two straight losses to fall to 1-2, the New England Patriots appear to be back on track thanks to a dominant win over the visiting Miami Dolphins. The 38-7 victory saw some big performances in all three phases, but the players that stood out the most are up for this week’s game ball vote.
RB Sony Michel
After two up-and-down performances to start his NFL career, Sony Michel was dominant as a runner today – thanks in part to some outstanding run blocking, but also due to his vision and patience coming out of the backfield. Overall, the first-round rookie finished the day with 25 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown. Michel played a key role in the Patriots establishing an early rhythm and controlling the tempo of the game all day long.
LB Kyle Van Noy
He likely will not win the vote, but Kyle Van Noy is still on this ballot to represent a Patriots defense that has looked much improved against an explosive Miami squad. The veteran also made one of the game’s biggest plays in the second quarter: Van Noy, who had three tackles and a quarterback hit on the day, reacted quickly to a bad Dolphins snap and was able to jump on the football for a recovery. Only one play later, the Patriots were in the end zone and up 17-0.
RB James White
Make no mistake about it: James White is one of the most important players on the Patriots roster, and against Miami he once again proved why. Not only did the 26-year old lead the team with eight receptions for 68 yards, he also had eight carries for 44 yards – and he scored two touchdowns, one on the ground and one through the air. In short: it was a vintage performance by the former fourth-round draft pick.
With all that in mind, who is your choice for this week’s game ball?
Poll
Who gets this week’s Patriots game ball?
This poll is closed
-
43%
RB Sony Michel
-
5%
LB Kyle Van Noy
-
49%
RB James White
-
1%
Other (name in comments)