New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is ready to take on a significant role in the team under the guidance of head coach Jerod Mayo and new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. In an interview with the Boston Globe, Stevenson expressed his desire to become the featured back for the Patriots. Throughout his time with the team, he has shared the backfield with Damien Harris, James White, and Ezekiel Elliott.
Stevenson emphasized the importance of being consistently involved in the game and not just playing on and off. He acknowledged that it’s difficult for running backs to get into a rhythm when they are constantly being rotated. Stevenson’s recent season was plagued by setbacks, including an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve. Despite the challenges, he managed to accumulate 619 yards on 156 carries and score four touchdowns. However, his yards per carry average dipped from 5.0 in 2022 to 4.0 in 2023. Additionally, his involvement in the passing game decreased, with 38 receptions for 238 yards but no touchdowns.
Stevenson expressed his love for playing all three downs, especially the unique challenges that come with playing as a running back on third down. He highlighted the need to pick up blitzes, run routes, and protect the quarterback. Although injuries and reduced usage on third downs were unexpected setbacks, Stevenson sees it as an opportunity to accomplish more when given the chance.
Despite his aspirations to be a workhorse back, Stevenson has yet to fully realize that role with the Patriots. After a 1,000-yard season in 2022, his workload decreased to 156 carries in 2023 due to a five-game absence caused by injury. However, he remains optimistic and believes that his all-pro season is on the horizon in 2024.
Rhamondre Stevenson, the New England Patriots’ running back, concluded the 2023 season with 619 yards and four touchdowns. However, his yards-per-carry average dipped to 4.0 from 5.0 the previous year. Despite a slight increase in his attempts per game, Stevenson’s season was cut short due to a high ankle sprain, which landed him on the injured reserve list.
In a recent interview with Patriots.com, the team’s new offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt, emphasized the importance of the run game in the NFL. Coming from a run-heavy offense in Cleveland, Van Pelt believes that running the ball is the key to winning games and championships. He stated, “Running the football in this league wins games, wins championships.”
Van Pelt’s track record in Cleveland speaks for itself. During his four seasons as the offensive coordinator, the Browns consistently ranked in the top six in rushing in the NFL. In 2023, they slipped to 12th due to the injury of their main running back, Nick Chubb.
For Stevenson, his desire for a prominent role in the Patriots’ offense may also be influenced by contractual factors. As he enters the final year of his contract, he sees this as an opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially secure a second contract, either with New England or another team. While former head coach and GM Bill Belichick was known for not extending running backs to a second contract, the situation may be different now.
With uncertainty surrounding Ezekiel Elliott’s future as a free agent, Stevenson emerges as the most experienced running back on the Patriots’ roster. However, there are still other running backs under contract, such as Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Stevenson is determined to prove himself as a featured back in this pivotal contract year, but many believe that the Patriots will add more depth to the backfield in free agency and rely on a running back tandem.
Stevenson himself acknowledges the importance of sharing the workload with his teammates. He wants Kevin Harris to have opportunities as well and is open to different scenarios. Whether he becomes the sole featured back or part of a duo backfield, Stevenson understands that he needs to return to his 2022 form for the Patriots to revamp their offense in 2024.
In summary, Rhamondre Stevenson aims to make a significant impact in the Patriots’ run game in the upcoming season. With a new offensive coordinator emphasizing the importance of running the ball, Stevenson sees this as an opportunity to secure a second contract and prove himself as a featured back. However, the Patriots may also look to add more depth to the backfield, creating a potential running back tandem. Regardless, Stevenson is determined to make a difference and help revamp the team’s offense.
According to the Source heavy.com