3 Patriots on the Chopping Block With Josh McDaniels as Offensive Coordinator

2. Rhamondre Stevenson

Rhamondre Stevenson is a serviceable starting running back in the NFL and has been the Patriots’ best skill-position player for the past few seasons. Since being selected by the Pats in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Stevenson has amassed 3,066 yards and has found the end zone 21 times. His best season was in 2022 when he had 1,000 yards on the ground while averaging five yards per carry, along with 69 catches for 421 yards.

This past season, Stevenson finished with 801 yards and six touchdowns while rushing and had 33 catches for 168 yards receiving, a far cry from his 2022 numbers. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), his performance led to an overall grade of 69.6, which was 31st out of 47 running backs.

Rhamondre’s biggest problem is that he cannot hold onto the football. This season, he put the ball on the ground seven times (six rushing and one receiving), including four in the first four games. When asked before Week 5 about his fumbling problems, Rhamondre said:

"I’m super tough on myself. I’m more disappointed in myself than anyone could ever be. It’s very simple - I just have to hold on to the ball and have that mentality to come up with the ball every time. It’s my job to do that and I haven’t been doing it well."

- Rhamondre Stevenson

These numbers will not slide in Josh McDaniels’ offense, and if Stevenson wants to remain as the team’s number-one running back next season, he needs to clean up this area of his game.