But even Hobbs acknowledges the production wouldn't be possible if not for the other 10 players on the kickoff return unit.
So, who are those guys?
The return unit essentially breaks down into three layers - the front-line guys, the wedge players, and the returners.
Last Sunday, the front line consisted of receivers Sam Aiken and Ray Ventrone; tight end David Thomas; linebackers Larry Izzo and Gary Guyton; and running back Heath Evans.
The wedge players were defensive linemen Mike Wright and Le Kevin Smith, and offensive lineman Mark LeVoir.
Hobbs was the primary returner and rookie Matthew Slater was the "off" returner, lined up across from Hobbs.
When assessing the Patriots' work on kickoff returns, Belichick cited the teamwork.
"I think Ellis has run the ball well and broken some tackles, but he's also had some room to run; that's a function of the timing of the front line, the wedge, the returner, and the off returner," he said. "It's unusual that a kickoff return is clean, opens up, and parts like the Red Sea. There are usually a lot of things that have to be adjusted along the way, particularly for the wedge, the off returner, and the [returner].
"It really comes down to the wedge making good decisions as to who is the most dangerous guy to block, blocking him, and the returner seeing those blocks and hitting the best opening. The decision-making between the wedge and the returner gives you a chance to have a positive return. Then, if you break a tackle or if you block it well, you have a chance for some big yardage."
One of the notable aspects of the Patriots' wedge group is that LeVoir, who was claimed off waivers from the Rams the week leading up to the season opener, had never performed those duties before.
He's been a quick study under special teams coach Brad Seely.
"Coach has done a great job teaching me the techniques and also the guys who have done it before me, they've been in there and helped me out a lot," said the 6-foot-7-inch, 306-pound LeVoir, who played under former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis at Notre Dame in 2006. "You just try to get a feel for it with reps in practice, and with that comes some more confidence."
