Dion Lewis was not a household name heading into the 2015 NFL season, but he was able to put his name on the map with the New England Patriots this year. He fit perfectly into the offense alongside of Tom Brady and if it hadn’t been for a season-ending injury would have put up huge all-around numbers.
Earning a contract extension in the middle of the season was just one of the highlights for the 25-year-old running back out of Pittsburgh.
Throughout the course of the 2015 season, Lewis ended up playing in just seven games. In those seven games, he was able to rack up 49 carries for 234 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching 36 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers made him a very dangerous dual-threat back for the Patriots, which not many defenses were prepared for.
Bill Belichick has always liked players who are able to do a multitude of things on-the-field. Lewis is an excellent running back from a traditional standpoint, but adding in his ability to both be a receiver out of the backfield and block for the quarterback set him apart from the other running backs on the roster.
LeGarrette Blount was expected to be a major playmaker for the Patriots, but Lewis took that role from him.
Looking back on the season, there aren’t many ways that Lewis could have played it better. He made the right moves at the right times and was a very consistent piece of the Patriots’ offense.
After seeing a bit of what he is capable of, the future is incredibly bright for Lewis with the Patriots. New England is going to bring him back and give him a large role once again next season assuming he gets back to full health. His reckless running style and lightning quick cuts will take awhile to come back, but once he gets his confidence back he will be just fine.
Grading his season is a bit difficult due to how short it was cut. He deserves a good grade, but was not able to show that he can stay consistent throughout an entire season.
All of that being said, we were very impressed with the year that he had and are going to give him a great grade.
Dion Lewis 2015 NFL Season Grade: B+
