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New England Patriots: 3 Key players to beating Titans in Divisional Round

By Danny Jaillet

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during the second half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during the second half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3. Dion Lewis

The scat-back has been a vital piece of the puzzle for the Patriots this season, and that trend should continue Saturday. In the team’s last game against the New York Jets on New Year’s Eve, Lewis made an impact both through the air and on the ground. He rushed the ball 26 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, while catching six passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. For Lewis, this was his third game with at least one receiving touchdown.

On the season, Lewis has 180 carries for 896 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, and 32 catches for 214 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

If the Patriots want to beat the Titans on Saturday, they need to utilize Lewis. He can do a little bit of everything for them. He is difficult to tackle and once he gets into open space, he can use his shiftiness and quickness to make defenders miss and gain ample yards.

The only way I could see him not being a factor is if another Patriots’ running back steps up and has a big day. With a deep running back group that includes the likes of Brandon Bolden, Mike Gillislee and James White, he will have to share snaps. Nevertheless, he is too talented a player to not make an impact.

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