Why Rhamondre Stevenson will emerge as a Patriots leader in 2023
The New England Patriots offense may not have the game-breaking, difference maker in the air, but they certainly have one in the ground attack. His name is Rhamondre Stevenson and prepare for this stud running back to take it to another level in 2023.
Rushing for over 1,000 yards in Year 2 of his NFL career, Stevenson not only lived up to expectations, but he became a dual-threat offensive weapon who also led the team in receptions.
What will Year 3 bring?
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson leads by example
Well, with the retirement of Devin McCourty, the Patriots need some of their younger players to step up as leaders. Running backs coach Ivan Fears feels like Stevenson has the on-the-field talent and work ethic to emerge as a leader in 2023.
"“The kid has worked hard to learn, to prepare, to train,” Fears said during an appearance on The 6 Rings Podcast, via WEEI. “He’s got to continue in that mode because right now he’s about to become a leader.”"
A favorite of Bill Belichick, Stevenson has worked his way out of the doghouse early in his rookie season to taking over as the lead back, which allowed the team to let Damien Harris walk. Going into the 2023 NFL season, Stevenson will be an offensive force other teams gameplan for and will also be the leader amongst a group of running backs that include Pierre Strong Jr., Kevin Harris, Ty Montgomery and James Robinson.
Fears believes the work ethic he demonstrates daily will help those players prepare and be ready when their name is called. In fact, those players are already looking up to Stevenson as one of the stars on the team.
"“Everybody looks to Rhamondre because he’s the man, he can do it all,” Fears said. “But he’s gotta step up and get those guys ready.”"
Montgomery and Robinson are veterans, but with Strong Jr and Harris entering their sophomore season with the New England Patriots, Stevenson is a great role model for them because he had to learn and watch behind Damien Harris during his rookie season. That preparation and the experience he earned towards the end of that season propelled him to breakout in 2022.
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Now the challenge is taking that next step into stardom and emerge as one of those players who instill a winning attitude in the players around him. That doesn’t just stop in the running back room, it extends to the entire offense. As a player who can get going in the running game to control the clock, Stevenson will be an important factor in taking some of the pressure off Mac Jones.
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He also provides Mac with another target in the passing game, which should help the other pass catchers on the field. With all that he can do, the leadership aspect of his game will be a key factor in 2023 because players respond and adapt the attitude of their best players on the field.
That kind of stardom has been what is missing with the New England Patriots since players like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, James White and Julian Edelman stopped wearing a Patriots’ uniform.