Sony Michel. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- The Patriots have a middle-of-the-pack rushing attack this season, but they're 50-and-1 since 2000 when one of their running back's hits the century mark on the ground, which is exactly what Sony Michel did in Sunday's win over the Jets.
The rookie first-rounder ran for a career-high 133 yards--most in a game for New England since Jonas Gray's 201 in 2014.
Michel also scored a touchdown, then credited the offensive line for his big day.
"They were doing a tremendous job," he said. "I mean, they always take pride, they love doing what they do. I just can't commend those guys too much. Believe it or not, they should be up here talking to you guys. Without them, there wouldn't be no running lines."
Michel said the secret to success on the ground or in general's not that complicated: Exert your will physically.
"That's just us being able to play Patriot football," he said. "We want to be physical. When you're physical, you can run the ball, you can throw the ball. It's almost like you control the line of scrimmage, and do what you want to do. Coach McDaniels got a great plan, we're excited to just go out there and execute it."
East-leading Pats will try to do so again Sunday at home against the Vikings, with Rex Burkhead back from Injured Reserve.
Minnesota's allowing the third-fewest total yards per game and ranks in the top-five defending both the pass and run.
WBZ NewsRadio's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports