Bill Belichick lauds Dion Lewis’ underrated trait — his power as a runner

Mike Loyko notes that Lewis’ contract extension is very similar to the deal running back Danny Woodhead signed in 2010, just a couple months into his Patriots career.

Prior to this season Lewis missed the previous two years, 2013 with a fractured fibula, and last year being cut before the start of the 2014 season and ultimately missing the whole season.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Lewis has agreed to a two-year contract extension with New England. The contract calls for a $2.6 million base, with almost $2 million more in incentive potential.

Lewis has exploded onto the scene this season for the New England Patriots. Lewis has rushed for 146 yards and has 179 receiving yards.

So consider, at least for now, the Patriots appear more stable at a position that looked the opposite during the offseason with the losses of Shane Vereen (Giants) and Stevan Ridley (Jets). It helps that LeGarrette Blount was suspended for that game – and Lewis ran with the opportunity. We could use him as a kick returner. They gave me a chance, so it’s on me to repay them as well. He works hard. He’s tough. He has fumbled, so he could always fall back in the doghouse, but for now he’s been a find for them.

“He picks things up well, he works hard”, Belichick said.

“It was a good feeling”. He’s here every day, ” said Belichick. The volume we have on offense is extensive. “You love to coach guys like that”. Very coachable, just really tries to do what you ask him to do, whatever it is he doesn’t ask any questions, he just works hard to get it right. “He has learned a lot of different spots, different adjustments, all the different blitz pickups and so forth in the passing game”.