Lan Larison just rolled up a combined 128 all-purpose yards and found the end zone once in the Patriots’ 24-21 preseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Suddenly, that fight for the third running back spot isn’t looking so open anymore. With roster cutdowns just a week away, this second-year back wasn’t just *a* top performer, he was *the* top performer, doing work as a runner, receiver, and returner. Head Coach Mike Vrabel himself couldn’t stop praising the guy after the game.
This Kid’s Got Grit, And Vrabel Noticed
Vrabel wasn’t holding back, calling Larison’s performance “gritty, tough” and saying he “did some really good things.” Think about it: 4th-and-1, he gets absolutely rocked behind the line of scrimmage, and still finds a way to move the chains for the first down. Then, later in the game, on a critical third down, he breaks a couple of tackles on a long pass when they absolutely needed it. That’s the kind of play that makes coaches sit up and pay attention. He ran the ball nine times for 33 yards and that touchdown, plus snagged three passes for 41 yards. Larison was instrumental in the Patriots’ offensive success, plain and simple.
Leaving Competitors in the Dust
What makes Vrabel’s praise so significant? He wasn’t asked *just* about Larison. He was asked about the *entire* backup group behind the undisputed roster locks, Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. But guess who got the solo shoutout? Yup, Lan Larison. His competitors, Jam Miller, Hassan Haskins, and JaMycal Hasty, had their moments for sure, but they didn’t get the same direct praise, and they didn’t have the same overall impact. That tells you everything you need to know about who made the biggest statement on Saturday. Even Larison himself, the humble 2025 undrafted free agent from UC Davis, knew it was a team effort. “It wasn’t all just me, it was the line as well, and the team. We competed really well tonight, and it was fun. It was a good time,” he said after the game.
Still Learning, But What Upside!
Now, was it a perfect night? Nah, nobody’s perfect. Pro Football Focus called out two quarterback hurries he gave up in five pass-blocking reps. That’s a definite area for improvement, and it makes sense considering he missed practically his entire rookie season on injured reserve. The 24-year-old is still learning and seeing new things every single day, taking it “day-by-day” as he put it. But you know what? That just shows he’s got even more upside to tap into! With roster cutdowns staring down the Patriots next week, Larison’s big night against the Eagles wasn’t just a highlight reel. It was a statement. He’s learning, he’s grinding, and he just gave New England’s coaching staff a *lot* to think about.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
Leave a Reply