Dion Lewis finds the right fit

Dion Lewis has only played three games with the Patriots and he’s already drawing comparisons to one of the best running backs in franchise history.

Kevin Faulk is a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame, and are comparing Lewis to the longtime Pats running back.

“He’s very similar to Kevin” says running backs coach Ivan Fears.  “The only limitation that these guys have had is the size factor. Everybody just knocked them because of it. But believe me, they’ve proven a lot of people wrong. Dion has still got a lot of work to do. We’re not giving him any crown right now”

Lewis has rushed for touchdowns in each of his last 2 games, but he’s made the most impact in the passing game with 15 receptions for 179 yards this season. With Shane Vereen departing to the Giants as a free agent, the Patriots had a void to fill and Lewis has filled that and more.

Lewis is an easy guy to root for as he wasn’t highly recruited, but had an outstanding college career at the University of Pittsburgh. He was a 5th-round pick but bounced around the NFL in his first four seasons before signing with the Patriots (his fourth team) on New Year’s Eve of 2014.  According to Bill Belichick, former Browns' general manager Mike Lombardi, who now works with the Patriots front office, highly recommended Lewis and so far that faith has paid off.

“Just watching him in the practices and OTAs – man, he’s got exceptional quickness and he’s got the vision to go with it. He’s got the Kevin Faulk-type of vision, according to coach Fears.   “He had some injuries, and now he’s had a year since that injury, so he was ready. His body responded, and he’s ready to go.”

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