New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson rushing for redemption
If there was ever a perfect time for redemption, the final two weeks of the NFL season would be a great time for New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson to erase the misfortunes of the last two weeks and help his team somehow barrel their way into the playoffs.
In every way, the second year running back out of the University of Oklahoma has been the team’s best offensive performer this season. He has not only rushed for 944 yards with 5 touchdowns, but he also leads the team with 62 receptions. So, no one can fault the team for putting the ball in the hands of their best offensive performer the last couple games.
Unfortunately for Stevenson, an ill-advised lateral which led to a heartbreaking loss against the Los Angeles Raiders and a fumble on the potential game-winning drive against the Cincinnati Bengals is defining the end of his breakout season.
New England Patriots, Rhamondre Stevenson have a chance to make a statement
Fortunately, whether you are a fan who feels the team should make the playoffs or not, the Patriots control their own destiny with wins the next two games against the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. Stevenson must be a big part of them winning those games. Therefore, he needs to shake it off and learn from his mistakes. He certainly has his head coach’s confidence.
In speaking about Stevenson’s costly fumble following the 22-18 loss, Belichick uncharacteristically defending his breakout running back which is more a compliment to the type of player Stevenson is turning into.
"“I’m not going to second-guess Rhamondre on what he did,” Belichick said Monday morning, via ESPN. “Rhamondre’s ball security has been pretty good all year. He had two hands on the ball, they were running him back, and they knocked it out at the end.”"
With a power back like Stevenson who refuses to go down on first contact, he does open himself up for having the ball stripped. But, outside of a fumble in his rookie season, he has been good with ball security. It’s just that the timing of this fumble could’ve not only cost the team that game, but a playoff spot if they are unable to take care of business the next couple weeks.
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In any event, although Stevenson was in the middle of two disastrous plays, there are no Patriots fans that should knock him for trying to make things happen, which he will need to do in the last two games against the Dolphins and Bills.
Again, in recognizing his mistakes, the 6-foot, 225 pound running back will have his chance at redemption. If he has two great games that helps lead the Patriots into the playoffs, they that will be the last things fans will remember.
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It will also help him to continue to grow as an NFL player on the brink of stardom. It takes good as well as the bad to help a player progress. Now is the time to see what Rhamondre Stevenson is really made of. We know he’s a competitor, but can he now be the type of transcending player this Patriots offense desperately needs.
We will see starting on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.