There are two ways, perhaps, to view the Patriots‘ decision to stick with running back Rhamondre Stevenson in Sunday’s win over the previously undefeated Bills, despite the fact that Stevenson again lost a fumble on what appeared to be a relatively mundane hit as he was falling down following a reception. It comes two weeks after Stevenson lost two fumbles in a mind-numbing loss to the Steelers, and in the context of the league-high (for a non-quarterback) seven fumbles he committed last season.
It could be viewed as coach Mike Vrabel being sensitive to a star-caliber veteran player, maintaining his faith in Stevenson even amid his miscues. Stevenson has compiled 293 yards from scrimmage in five games, and came back to score two touchdowns against Buffalo on Sunday.
Or it could be viewed, as appears to be the case among many Patriots fans, as a frustrating and stubborn refusal by Vrabel to turn to explosive and talented rookie backup TreVeyon Henderson, who was not gotten nearly the chance to have an impact on the team as was expected given the electric talent he flashed in the preseason.
Patriots Could Be Losing Antonio Gibson
Either way, buckle up. With what appears to be a serious knee injury possibly ending Antonio Gibson’s season, the Patriots are sticking with Stevenson–but almost certainly adding more Henderson, to boot.
That means, though, that Stevenson still needs to figure out how to hang onto the ball. There were ball-security drills galore that the team put Henderson through after the Week 3 Steelers fumble-fest, and it appears it will be back to the drawing board on that.
Henderson promises to keep working at it.
“Me, personally, I gotta clean that up. But I think I bounced back in a way. But yeah, I gotta clean that up,” Stevenson said.
Rhamondre Stevenson Appreciates Faith
Henderson did get six carries for 24 yards on Sunday, and caught two passes for just three yards. Though, it was always expected that his role would grow over time, the fact that Stevenson has struggled to hang onto the ball has had many calling for Henderson to get more carries. He has 32, for 121 yards, on the year.
That’s mostly because the Patriots have kept up the faith in Stevenson. He appreciates that.
“I think it is huge,” he said. “I think that gives me a ton of confidence and keeps my head a little level. Because you know, I could just get frustrated because I have three fumbles in a couple of games but I am just going to tighten it up. I am going to go to work every week, just try to get better, just try to clean it up. My teammates and coach Vrabes and coach (Josh) McDaniels, and my teammates, all them behind me, it means the world.
“So, I just need to follow up and do my part.”
Patriots’ Diggs Backs Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson cited receiver Stefon Diggs as a player who bolstered his spirits after the fumble. Diggs, a former Bills star, had a huge night with 10 catches and 146 yards, but was very vocal throughout the game.
“Super proud of him, call him ‘Unc,’ he’s a baller, he was balling,” Stevenson said. “We call him ‘Unc.’ He got some years in the league. Great leader. He was one of the leaders in my ear after I fumbled and stuff like that so he kept me in the game, talking about how I was going to make a play to help this team.”
And he did. But still, Stevenson knows, he needs to get better.
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