Just a few weeks ago, Rhamondre Stevenson was fond of the idea of a split backfield. On Sunday, he got his wish, as the running back trio of him, TreVeyon Henderson, and Antonio Gibson combined for 13 of the 18 total rushes.
Although Stevenson received the majority of those 13 carries, he was ineffective running the ball, rushing for only 15 yards on seven carries. It wasn’t just Stevenson, as the team combined for 60 rushing yards, averaging an atrocious 3.3 yards per carry.
Their run game was so useless that the team abandoned it in the second half, attempting only three rushes. With these comments by Mike Vrabel, it seems like the Patriots will make changes to their run game, which could mean the end of the split backfield.
TreVeyon Henderson Could Become Lead Running Back
If the Patriots are to win their Week Two matchup against the Dolphins, they must be effective in running the football. In their blowout loss to the Colts, the Dolphins allowed 156 rushing yards.
This is the perfect opportunity for the Patriots to get the running game going, but the only way they can do so is by turning to their rookie sensation, TreVeyon Henderson. On just five carries, Henderson was the team’s only successful runner, rushing for 27 yards and averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
Henderson’s home-run ability, combined with being a threat as a pass catcher, is why the Patriots selected him in the second round. In the preseason, he quickly displayed his value to the team, which the Patriots must utilize if they want to improve their run game.
Assuming the Patriots make the necessary changes, they’ll have to cut Stevenson’s reps. On Sunday, Stevenson led the running back group with 46 snaps, while Henderson received 25, and Gibson received 5.
If a change were to happen, it would put Stevenson in trouble. The 27-year-old rusher has been the lead back for the last three seasons and was instrumental in the team’s running game.
But since signing his four-year, $36 million contract, Stevenson hasn’t been the same player, as his receiving numbers and yards per carry have gone down.
Because of his price tag, Stevenson earned the start and the majority of the reps in the first game. But with his continued ineffectiveness, this will change unless he steps it up.