The New England Patriots are rolling through two games of the 2015 season as they remain championship contenders with Tom Brady back under center. The team dominated the Buffalo Bills despite the lingering injuries at the wide receiver position as Brady continues to make something out of nothing. The Patriots also had the return of LeGarrette Blount in Week 2, but the running back was not as big of a factor as some fantasy owners were hoping for.
Blount was the workhorse last season, putting together several strong performances for the Patriots heading into the Super Bowl. With the releases of Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, Blount was expected to assume the role following a one-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, but instead it was breakout star Dion Lewis getting a bulk of the handoffs.
In Week 2, Lewis had seven carries on the ground for 40 yards and touchdown while also putting up another six catches for 98 yards. Blount on the other hand had just two carries for four yards while not being a factor in the passing game. This was not the numbers most fantasy owners had in mind as the running back was expected to thrive as the leading rusher. Fantasy owners should proceed with caution in this situation. Blount had only been back at practice for a week before playing. The Patriots could easily use his bruising style against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, but it worth watching as Lewis is a solid waiver pickup for the time being.
The issue for Lewis appears to be fumbles. Head coach Bill Belichick will not keep the running back in for long if it happens again as the running back is aware he is on a short leash with Blount back in the rotation.
"The whole team stuck with me," Lewis said, via the Boston Herald. "(Tight end Rob Gronkowski) came and picked me up right after the play. My teammates are great. They supported me. They told me to forget about it. They had a lot of confidence in me and it meant a lot to me that everybody lifted me up. I just have to be more accountable, more trustworthy because obviously, if I keep doing that, I'm not going to be out there, so I just have to clean it up and work harder. I'm just trying to make plays."
Week 2 was much of the same for Brady and company. Julian Edelman continues to thrive as he was a factor in both the passing and rushing game. He had two touchdowns along with one from Rob Gronkowski. A star on the rise for the Patriots could be Aaron Dobson as he replaces the injured Brandon LaFell. Dobson had 97 yards off seven catches which was more than the two targets Danny Amendola had. With Brady under center he could turn out to be a nice weapon during the season.
