Patriots' LeGarrette Blount Breaks Franchise Single-Season Rushing Record

When New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount reached the end zone in the second quarter of Sunday's 16-3 win over the Denver Broncos, it was the 15th time he'd done so on the ground this season.

In addition to giving the Patriots a lead they wouldn't relinquish, Blount's 15th touchdown also broke the franchise record for most rushing scores in a season, per the Patriots' official Twitter account. Curtis Martin previously held the mark, with 14 rushing touchdowns in both 1995 and 1996.

Blount didn't post his best performance of the season Sunday, but that's not surprising against a tough Broncos defense. The lumbering back finished the day with just 31 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, his lowest yardage total on the ground this season.

It didn't stop the Patriots from earning their fifth straight victory and maintaining a one-game lead over the Oakland Raiders in the AFC standings. The club officially clinched a first-round bye and the AFC East division title as well with its victory Sunday.

While Blount didn't have a ton of success on the ground against Denver, fellow running back Dion Lewis upped his production in his fifth week back from a knee injury. Lewis finished Sunday's game with a season-high 18 rushes for 95 yards, and he added two grabs for nine yards.

New England now possesses a wealth of talent in the backfield—Blount, Lewis and James White are all prominent members of the offense. By far the biggest of the bunch, Blount should continue to handle carries near the goal line and has a good shot at adding to his touchdown total with two weeks remaining in the regular season.