New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson is ready to rumble

New England Patriots rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson is out of the doghouse and ready to shine out of the backfield.

After fumbling in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, the 2021 fourth-round pick seemed to be buried on the depth chart, but a season-ending injury suffered by veteran running back James White, along with ball security issues that landed J.J. Taylor in the doghouse has opened that door out of Bill Belichick’s doghouse.

Although he just rushed for 46 yards combined the last two weeks against the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, Stevenson has shown flashes of breaking lose in the Patriots offense.

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is a dual threat

In the Week 6 overtime loss to the Cowboys, Stevenson rushed for his first career touchdown, but it was what he did in the passing game that raised eyebrows.  While his quarterback protection could use some work, the Oklahoma product showed off his pass-catching skills with three catches for 39 yards.

That certainly makes him a two-dimensional threat, especially the more and more confident he gets within the New England Patriots offense.  The team knows it, and most importantly he knows it.

"“I’m getting a feel for the game a little bit more, just getting comfortable with my teammates and I know that they’re starting to trust me more so that makes me even more confident,” said Stevenson on Thursday, via Patriots.com. “I think it’s just a confidence thing.”"

Stevenson had fans excited after he broke loose in the preseason with a 91-yard rushing touchdown against the Washington Football Team.  Not only did he lead in rushing yards during that preseason, but he was also a touchdown machine with his combination of power and speed.

Often compared to LeGarrette Blount because of that power, Stevenson has the talent to be even better than the man Patriots fans nicknamed “Blount Force Trauma.”  It is particularly due to that pass-catching ability, which he showed off against the Cowboys.

"“I ran routes before but it’s never been very consistent,” Stevenson said. “I’m learning, getting better and better at those each day as well. Just like any other part of my game, I feel like it’s elevating.”"

If he continues to make plays, Mac Jones will go to him more and more.  With ball security as an emphasis, Stevenson has that ability to turn any short-yardage situation into a long gainer with his ability to break tackles and his sneaky good speed.

While Damien Harris has secured himself as the lead back, watch out for Stevenson in the team’s Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets.  Although the AFC East rivals have a pretty stout front seven and good against the run, Stevenson has the ability to find the smallest hole and turn it into something big.

After back-to-back weeks of getting a taste of the action, the New England Patriots rookie is poised for a breakout game as he is ready to rumble and hungry for success.