Patriots: Christian Barmore, Rhamondre Stevenson spark excitement

As had been harped upon for ages in this space, the Patriots never really tried to replace a player who may have been almost irreplaceable, LeGarrette Blount, a personal favorite of this writer.

More from Chowder and Champions

• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
• Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win

Blount was ill-advisedly dumped by New England after the 2016 season in which he racked up 18 touchdowns. They haven’t had a back since who could even come close to that total.

Observers are also pointing out that Stevenson can also catch the ball from the backfield making him a dual-threat and a play-action and RPO chess piece that Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels can move around the board to confound opposing defenses.

Also, and critically important, Stevenson can be the short-yardage back the Patriots have lacked for years both to extend drives and to score touchdowns near the goal line.

It’s been alluded to that Stevenson “loves” Blount. Think not? He wore the same number, No. 29 for Oklahoma as Blount did in New England.

Stevenson’s position coach, Ivan Fears has also compared him to Blount. From this perspective that is high praise indeed.

Here’s what Fears said about Blount,

"“That kind of body,” Fears said, via WEEI.com. “That kind of athletic ability. He’s probably a better pass receiver than even LeGarrette was. This kid has got pretty good hands. There are a lot of doors open here. We’ll see what sticks to him.”"

So, that’s the story of two Patriots rookies who just might make an impact in this almost completely remodeled 2021 version of the Patriots.

Should they indeed make the contributions suggested, with all the other assets assembled, this could be a really fascinating season, indeed.

Things could get really interesting in Foxborough starting in September. If so, they could continue to be interesting into 2022, as well. That’s why they play the games.