Last week in the preseason opener it was rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson being the star of the game, and while he had another terrific showing this week, J.J. Taylor was the biggest star Thursday night.
Taylor ran for a game-high 93 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in the Patriots’ 35-0 win over the Eagles. The second-year back also caught three passes out of the backfield for 18 yards.
There’s no question the Patriots’ running back position is among the most competitive on the entire roster.
"It's a good group," Bill Belichick said to reporters after the game. “Those guys work hard. They've all gotten opportunities and showed positively in their opportunities. I think competition brings out the best in all of us. I think those guys are competing well and they're all contributing. It's a great situation."
Besides Stevenson and Taylor, the Patriots have Damien Harris, Sony Michel, James White and Brandon Bolden. And it doesn’t feel like they have the roster space to keep all six players, so what will they do?
RIght now, it feels like it's Taylor or Bolden for the final spot, or perhaps the organization surprises everyone and trades Michel. With Taylor and Stevenson impressing of late, maybe Michel is more disposable than originally thought?
When it comes to the Taylor vs. Bolden debate, both have special teams value, but Taylor may have more since he's been the primary returner and the team has others who serve roles similar to Bolden.
There's still just under two weeks before final rosters are due, so a lot can change between now and then, but after two preseason games it's clear the Patriots will have some tough decisions at this position.