Strict discipline defined the “Patriot Way” during Bill Belichick’s tenure in New England. But three weeks into Mike Vrabel’s first season as head coach, the talent on the roster has made that principle nearly impossible to uphold.
No. 1 running back Rhamondre Stevenson’s struggles with ball security were well-documented in 2024, having led all running backs with seven fumbles. After two clean outings to start the 2025 season, there was cautious optimism that the issue was behind him. At least, until he coughed up the ball on the opening drive and on the goal line in Week 3, with both turnovers proving pivotal in the Patriots’ 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite those mishaps, Vrabel doesn't plan on making any major backfield changes.
“If you’re asking me if Rhamondre is on some sort of discipline, no,” Vrabel said, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. “The discipline we need is our best players to play in a game, and do their job, and take care of the football. And we all have to do that."
Mike Vrabel's Plan for Rhamondre Stevenson Highlights Patriots' Lack of Options
Vrabel's response underscored a harsh reality: this roster isn’t strong enough to uphold the cutthroat mantra that once defined the franchise.
Some thought that those turnovers might finally cost Stevenson his starting role. Instead, Vrabel shut down the speculation during a press conference ahead of Week 4, using quarterback Drake Maye’s turnovers against the Steelers as a comparison.
“Drake had an interception and a fumble, we’re not going to play (Joshua Dobbs) right now.”
The message was clear. Turnovers matter, but the Patriots don’t have the luxury of benching their most talented players—not this early in the season, and not with this roster. The problem with moving on from Stevenson is that the Patriots don’t have viable replacements.
Antonio Gibson has been quiet this season, tallying only 58 rushing yards on 13 carries.
Meanwhile, rookie TreVeyon Henderson saw extended work after Stevenson’s second fumble, playing a season-high 34 snaps. His production was modest, just 28 yards on 11 carries. Vrabel has also pointed out Henderson’s struggles in pass protection after he allowed two sacks and racked up two offensive holding penalties in Week 2.
Henderson has the burst and power to eventually take on a bigger role, but right now, his inexperience in the finer details of the position keeps him from being a true alternative. Until that changes, the Patriots are going to continue to deploy a committee.
Patriots Must Push Through Thin Roster Depth Together
The Patriots don’t have the depth to hold players accountable the way Belichick once did. Instead, Vrabel is emphasizing support and engagement, trying to keep his thin roster united.
That philosophy was on display after the team’s Week 2 victory, when he gave the ball to kicker Andres Borregales. The rookie had missed two extra points earlier in the game but redeemed himself with a clutch 53-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Rather than burying him, Vrabel highlighted his resilience and gave him a second chance.
Belichick’s Patriots enforced a notoriously short leash for mistakes. Running back Stevan Ridley was one of the most prominent examples—despite strong efficiency, his fumbling issues between 2012 and 2013 quickly eroded his role and ended his tenure as a reliable option.
Stevenson has now fumbled nine times since the start of 2024, a dreadful number that would have likely cost him his job under Belichick. Under Vrabel, however, the circumstances are different. The Patriots don’t have the depth or flexibility to cast aside their best players, even when they undercut the team with costly mistakes, forcing them to stick with the status quo even if it isn't working.
Vrabel’s patience for mistakes may wear thin as the season progresses, but in the early stages of his rebuild, he’s showing that the best path forward is together. Whether or not that pays off in the long run remains to be seen, but Patriots fans are ready to see where it will go.