According to the Boston Globe, New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stephenson has asked for a more important role on the team's offense, and the team would be wise to accommodate him.
“I want to be a featured back for the Patriots'' Stephenson Said Nicole Yang of the Globe.
Stephenson, who was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, was highly skilled during his time in New England.
Although he fell behind fellow Pats ball carrier Damien Harris in his rookie year, he still impressed in his first season. hurry He gained 606 yards on 133 carries, matching Harris' 4.6 yards per carry for the year.
FOXBORO, MA – NOVEMBER 28: Damian of the New England Patriots after scoring a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans on November 28, 2021 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Harris #37 celebrates with LaMondre Stevenson #38.Photo credit: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
in 2022 He took the majority of the carries from Harris and excelled in his newfound role with an impressive 1,040 yards on 210 carries. His 5 yards per carry he achieved was Fifth Among running backs.
But rather than reward Stevenson's improved performance with a showpiece role, Bill Belichick's Patriots brought in a fading star in former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott to share his role. Ta.
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 31: New England Patriots No. 15 Ezekiel Elliott catches a pass during the second half of the game against the Buffalo Bills on December 31, 2023 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.Photo by Rich Burns/Getty Images
Despite Zeke's reputation as a star, he underperformed significantly.veteran returns recorded He only had 3.5 yards per carry, and despite getting 28 more carries, he barely outpaced Stevenson on the ground. (Related: NFL Rookie of the Year CJ Stroud puts Amber Rose on notice, he wants you to watch out for him)
The decision not to use Stevenson after a monster season was very Belichickian. The now-retired Bill Belichick is widely considered the greatest coach in NFL history, but that doesn't mean all of his decisions were made without question.
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 8: New England Patriots head coach Bill Bill stands on the sideline during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2019 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Belichick.Photo credit: Gregory Schamus/Getty Images
The running back position in particular has been somewhat of an anomaly during the Belichick era, much to the chagrin of fantasy football enthusiasts.
A classic example of this was in 2014, when Belichick gave up a whopping 37 RBIs to undrafted rookie free agent Jonas Gray. carry In Week 4's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Over the previous three weeks, Gray had totaled just 32 carries for 131 yards.
Gray gave Belichick a monster as a reward. performance, racked up 201 yards on the ground and added an amazing four touchdowns. Just like that, a star was born. No, it's not.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 16: #35 Jonas of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 16, 2014 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. – Gray celebrates after scoring his fourth touchdown.Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Belichick then inexplicably ended up sitting Gray the following week, and the young back only played in four more games the rest of the season and collected just 20 more carries for the rest of his career with the Patriots.
It will happen later revealed The episode in which Gray became unpopular after missing team meetings speaks to a larger pattern with Belichick's running backs. Is it sporadic use of passbacks like James White, or is it a sudden decision? move on The traditionally opaque Belichick has become even more mysterious at the tailback position since his first-round return to Sony Michel.
His replacement, Jerrod Mayo, has a chance to change things.
Mayo has already begun to change the culture of the Patriots with some weird racially charged nonsense during the opening presser, but by clearly signaling to Stevenson, “You're the man,” he has a chance to positively change the culture. I have to.
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 3: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 carries the ball during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on December 3, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.Photo by Billy Weiss/Getty Images
Ramondre has done nothing but perform when he gets the chance, but he makes a strong case for why he should be on the field on every down. “The importance of being in the game and getting the hang of the game is not driving once and off once, but driving one after the other. You can't get that hot. All the running backs. I know that. I can't get that hot,” Stevenson told the Globe.
With the Pats having question marks at QB, establishing a strong run game will be even more important. If Mayo wants to make an impact in New England beyond being a DEI brand ambassador, it would be wise to hire Stevenson again.
