It is going to take very little for New England Patriots fans to be ready to turn the page on running back Rhamondre Stevenson. This isn't just due to the emergence of rookie TreVeyon Henderson, but also because of compiling frustration when it comes to turnovers.
Already, the Pats were fighting an uphill battle last season as they attempted to get rookie Drake Maye settled into the offense. Stevenson fumbled the ball in four straight games to open the 2024 campaign, leading to a surprise yet well-deserved benching.
Defenders realized the issue and would target Stevenson the rest of the year, creating frustrating turnovers. This was after the former Oklahoma Sooner had only given up one fumble in the 2023 season. With that in mind, problems with football security issues might not get better at this stage of Stevenson's career, as it becomes a mental hiccup that New England can no longer afford to accept.
Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson Could Be Benched Quickly
While the frustration with the 27-year-old RB is growing, rookie TreVeyon Henderson's presence gives Pats fans a silver lining. Benching Stevenson after the very next fumble or key mistake is easy when they have the potential of an elite prospect. Henderson has New England buzzing and has the potential to be a franchise-altering playmaker.
The first-year runner is a better pass-catcher than Stevenson and offers a far higher ceiling with big-play ability. Looking at the offense the Patriots have assembled, it is easy to argue Henderson fits the vision of what this team is expected to become. If the franchise is going to return to playoff contention, it will be based around the continued development of Maye and the emergence of Henderson, as well as the other rising offensive studs.
For Stevenson, the moment that Henderson was selected put his job in jeopardy. Not only must he now protect the football at all costs, but there must be a steady stream of production that keeps Henderson out of the lineup. All of the pressure is on Stevenson, and it is difficult to see the first big misstep not resulting in a benching or the team pivoting in another direction.
There is also the coaching change that must be factored into this equation. No longer is this a rookie staff that is lost when dealing with failing players. Head coach Mike Vrabel isn't afraid of the moment, quickly willing to pivot away from struggling players. Vrabel's time with the Titans made this clear and only furthers a sense of urgency that Stevenson must hold onto if he wants to stay in the lineup.
Patriots fans being so excited for Henderson and over Stevenson could push for more of the rookie early on in the season. Even a hot start might not be enough for Stevenson, and any miscues will be used as evidence to put an end to his New England tenure.