New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson ‘ready’ for a big day
While all the talk was centered around the lack of snaps for New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne following the team’s Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins, another explosive player saw a lack of playing time down in South Beach.
Projected to have a breakout season with the Patriots in Year 2 of his NFL career, running back Rhamondre Stevenson just played 14 snaps against the Dolphins. With just 8 carries for 25 yards, it’s safe to say the dual threat back didn’t get a chance to get off the ground running.
That needs to change in the Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Along with teammate Damien Harris getting more touches, the Patriots’ offense needs to get their running game going against a blitz happy team out to make life miserable for Mac Jones.
New England Patriots need a big day from Rhamondre Stevenson
With how the Patriots struggled to put together anything offensively with consistency, they need Stevenson’s versatility as a power back and a pass catcher to give Jones some support and an outlet against the blitz. With Ty Montgomery on IR, Stevenson should get an opportunity to shine in this matchup against the Steelers.
"“If they call my number, I’ll be ready,” Stevenson told Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed earlier this week."
Off to a slow start as well in his rookie season, Stevenson made the most of his opportunity when his number was called. He went on to rush for 606 yards and five touchdowns and really showed flashes of being a dominant playmaker in the offense.
That is what made Year 2 so exciting for both the player and the team. But, as always, the case with younger players, fundamentals are always a challenge. The New England Patriots need him to be an efficient pass-blocker if he is going to be a three-down back.
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Fortunately for Stevenson, he had a chance to learn from James White, who taught how to be aware of blitzes and picking up what the defense is doing.
"“Last year, I was learning more fundamental things, and he was trying to teach me more of the in-depth things,” Stevenson said. “So now I’m still working on fundamentals, but just the things he was teaching me last year, I’m able to put that on the field and realize what he was talking about last year.”"
He will be put to the test against the Steelers defense both as a runner and as a player who will need to protect Mac Jones in pass protection. With his talent and explosiveness in the open field, if he can be an effective back picking up blitzes, the Patriots will be able to get the ball in his hands more with draw plays and creative screens. That aspect of the offense should really help get the offense flowing the way they want to flow.
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In this game, it does start with Rhamondre Stevenson and how he is utilized. He is ready and needs to be that not-so-secret weapon the New England Patriots unleash in a game they desperately need to win.
It’s gameday.