When the New England Patriots take on the Carolina Panthers this Sunday, fans can expect to see running back Rhamondre Stevenson on the field with the starting offense, despite his costly fumbles in the team’s Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Mike Vrabel’s decision not to reduce Stevenson’s playing time has raised eyebrows, given the running back’s history of ball-security issues. However, a closer look reveals the reasoning behind this surprising stance—and it’s rooted in both trust and necessity.
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In the Patriots’ 21-14 defeat to the Steelers, Stevenson’s two fumbles proved pivotal. The first, on the game’s opening possession, handed Pittsburgh a short field, leading to an early touchdown. The second, in the third quarter, occurred just shy of the goal line as New England looked to tie the game. These miscues were Stevenson’s final snaps of the contest, sparking speculation that he might face consequences. After all, Stevenson led the NFL with seven fumbles last season and has now accumulated 16 in his four-plus years in the league.
Last year, then-head coach Jerod Mayo intended to bench Stevenson for a game following similar ball-security issues, but a coaching staff miscommunication led to him starting anyway. This history makes Vrabel’s decision to keep Stevenson in the lineup all the more intriguing.
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On Friday, Vrabel made it clear that Stevenson would not face a reduction in playing time. “If you’re asking me if Rhamondre is on some sort of discipline, no,” Vrabel told reporters. “The discipline is we need our best players to play in a game and do their job and take care of football.” He acknowledged the fumbles but emphasized the need for the entire team to improve, pointing out that quarterback Drake Maye also had an interception and a fumble in the same game. Vrabel’s stance is clear: benching Stevenson isn’t the answer.
Vrabel’s confidence in Stevenson isn’t blind optimism. Despite his ball-security struggles, Stevenson has been one of the Patriots’ top performers this season. His 87 rushing yards tie for the team lead, and his 138 receiving yards rank third. In a season where the Patriots’ offense has struggled, particularly at wide receiver and running back, Stevenson’s versatility and production are critical.
The decision to stick with Stevenson also reflects the Patriots’ limited options at running back. Antonio Gibson, another key back, has been efficient with 4.5 yards per carry but also fumbled in the Steelers game. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson has shown promise, particularly as a receiver with 73 yards, but his 3.4 yards per carry on the ground leaves room for improvement. With no clear alternative who combines Stevenson’s workload capacity and playmaking ability, benching him would weaken an already struggling offense.
Vrabel also stressed the need for improvement across the board. “We have to fix those things, the people around them have to be better, and I’m confident that we will,” he said. His focus is on coaching and execution rather than punitive measures. Stevenson, for his part, acknowledges the challenge. “The main thing is still the main thing. I still have to take care of the ball,” he told MassLive’s Karen Guregian, expressing gratitude for Vrabel’s trust and emphasizing his commitment to improving ball security.
The decision not to discipline Stevenson might seem shocking given his fumble-prone history, but it’s grounded in pragmatism. Reducing his snaps could further hinder an offense that’s already searching for consistency. Stevenson’s ability to make defenders miss, gain tough yards, and contribute as a receiver makes him a cornerstone of the Patriots’ attack. Vrabel’s approach suggests a belief that Stevenson’s issues are fixable through practice and coaching rather than benching.
Moreover, Vrabel’s comments indicate a broader team perspective. With multiple players, including Maye and Gibson, contributing to turnovers against the Steelers, singling out Stevenson would be inconsistent. Instead, Vrabel is betting on his star running back to rebound, banking on the “great week of practice” Stevenson reported and the trust his teammates still have in him.
As the Patriots prepare to face the Panthers, all eyes will be on Stevenson. Can he deliver the explosive plays that have made him a standout while securing the football? Vrabel’s faith in him is clear, but the leash, though long, isn’t infinite. Another fumble-filled performance could force the coaching staff to reconsider their approach, especially with Gibson and Henderson waiting in the wings.
For now, the real reason behind Vrabel’s decision is a combination of Stevenson’s undeniable talent and the team’s lack of better options. The Patriots need their best players on the field, and Stevenson, despite his flaws, remains one of them. Sunday’s game will be a critical test of whether he can reward his coach’s trust and prove that the “shocking” decision was the right one.