Patriots: 3 most mesmerizing Rhamondre Stevenson highlights of 2022

The top 3 highlights of New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

Say what you want about dysfunction that was the New England Patriots offense in 2022, but one big positive was the emergence of running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

Though blemished by a couple of bad plays late in the season, Stevenson was a true playmaking force for the Patriots in 2022.  With Damien Harris taking a step back due to injuries, the Oklahoma product stepped into the role of featured back by not only rushing for 1,040 yards, but also leading the team in receptions with 69.

In fact, the dual-threat mobility of Stevenson was one of the one reliable components of the Patriots’ offense. A true workhorse, the New England Patriots second-round running back emerged as a favorite of Bill Belichick who often praised him for his workmanlike approach to the game and the other things he has improved on since his rookie season, like picking up the blitz.

"“Yeah, Mondre just gets better every day,” Belichick said following the team’s 22-17 victory over the New York Jets back in October.  “He’s one of the guys that I’ve coached that really has shown just continuous improvement almost every day he walks into the building.  Just in every phase of the game.  This kid’s really come a long way in just every part of his game.  You mentioned some of the things in the passing game, awareness, route running, blitz pickup, recognition, getting out on fake blitzes, versus reading the different between fake blitzes and blitzes.  In the running game his patience and setting up blocks, running on the second level, stiff arm and contact balance, ball security.  You name it.”"

As the season went along, it was clear one of Mondre’s biggest fans was Belichick.  The national medial picked up on the importance of Stevenson as well.  Why wouldn’t they with the top 3 highlights of the 2022 season we are ranking.

No 3: Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson shows off his catching skills

As mentioned, Rhamondre Stevenson led the Patriots with 69 receptions in 2022 and the most impressive one was a one-handed touchdown grab against the Indianapolis Colts.

The play was set up by a Jonathan Jones punt block that set up Mac Jones, Stevenson and the Patriots’ offense at the Indianapolis 2-yard line.  After failing on first down, Stevenson showed off this one-handed snag from Jones, giving the Patriots a second-quarter lead against the Colts.

The play showed off how dynamic of a playmaker Stevenson is.  It also showcased how important he has become in the Patriots’ offense this past season and beyond.  In the Week 9 matchup, Stevenson wasn’t great with just 60 yards rushing on 15 attempts, but he still found a way to impact that game which is the true sign of star and a player the Patriots can lean on going forward.

Although it wasn’t the most explosive plays of the year, this one-handed grab made the list because of the ability and versatility of Stevenson.  Two of the main attributes that make him a threat on all three downs.

No. 2: Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson’s breakaway speed

Coming in at No. 2 would’ve been the top play in the Week 15 stunning loss to the Las Vegas Raiders had Rhamondre Stevenson not been in the middle of the lateral from hell.

Easily forgotten in that game is that Stevenson had a total of 176 yards in that game, including 172 on the ground which was highlighted by this 34-yard touchdown run to put the team ahead in the fourth quarter.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1604626520160337920

It was a play in which Stevenson used his vision to find the hole and his breakaway speed to burst through the hole and cruise to a touchdown that put the team ahead late in that quarter.  Not knowing the crazy ending, it seemed like the knockout punch as the Patriots scored 21 unanswered points to take control of the game.

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Again, the way the Patriots lost the game overshadowed Stevenson’s performance in this game, but the play itself was an example of how this powerful, explosive running back can score from wherever he is when the ball is in his hand.

Stevenson also had a 31-yard touchdown run against the Cleveland Browns that was given some consideration as one of the top 3 plays, but given the magnitude of the game and the point in the game, this highlight took the spot.

No. 1: Rhamondre Stevenson goes beast mode for Patriots

In a game in which rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe got his first start, Rhamondre Stevenson made the Detroit Lions look like a bunch of kittens with this 49-yard powerful run in the first quarter to set the tone of the game.

Every reason Patriots fans were excited when Stevenson was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft was on display in this game.  The vision, the power, the speed.  It was a special run to everyone except Stevenson himself who was upset he didn’t score on the play.

"“I felt like I should have scored that ball,” Stevenson explained following the 29-0 victory.  “So, no confidence is gained from that run.”"

In rushing for 161 yards in the game, Stevenson showed he is a physical specimen who can do it all.  In a season in which the offense struggled with consistency, Stevenson was the one consistent weapon and a force to be reckoned with going forward for the New England Patriots.