The New England Patriots have found their stride, rattling off four consecutive victories, including a statement win against the five-time reigning AFC East champions, the Buffalo Bills. This hot streak has temporarily placed the Patriots atop the division, showcasing their resilience after a shaky start to the season. However, one persistent issue has been the lackluster performance of their running backs in the ground game, despite the dynamic play of quarterback Drake Maye, who has contributed significantly with both his arm and legs.
The running back duo of veteran Rhamondre Stevenson and second-round rookie TreVeyon Henderson has yet to fully ignite, with both averaging a modest 3.6 yards per carry through the first seven games. Despite this, head coach Mike Vrabel has consistently favored Stevenson, giving him the bulk of the carries, as evidenced by his 18 touches compared to Henderson’s mere two in the Patriots’ commanding 31-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans. This decision has sparked debate among fans and fantasy football managers alike, who question why Vrabel has limited Henderson’s opportunities in favor of a veteran who has fumbled three times this season.
Vrabel’s Reasoning: Stevenson’s Versatility and Reliability
In a candid interview on WEEI 93.7, Vrabel addressed the speculation, shedding light on why Stevenson remains the centerpiece of the Patriots’ rushing attack. Far from ignoring Henderson’s potential, Vrabel emphasized Stevenson’s multifaceted contributions to the offense, particularly in areas beyond simply carrying the ball.
“You look at last week, at the end of the game,” Vrabel explained. “He steps up, he blocks the inside linebacker. Yesterday, he’s blocking in protection, he’s up in the A-gap. He goes out, scans out to the nickel, and we’re able to get a big third-down pass off. So he does a lot of things without the football, and then when he does have the football, when he takes care of it, and he’s decisive, he’s been good.”
Stevenson’s ability to excel in pass protection and execute critical blocks has been a key factor in Vrabel’s decision to stick with him. These intangibles, often overlooked by casual observers, are vital to the Patriots’ offensive scheme, particularly in protecting the young and mobile Maye, allowing him to make plays downfield.
Maintaining a Winning Formula
Vrabel also highlighted the importance of consistency within the offensive unit, especially during a winning streak. While acknowledging Stevenson’s ball-security issues, the head coach stressed that his overall contributions outweigh the occasional mistakes. “[Rhamondre] did a lot of really good things early in the season against Miami,” Vrabel noted. “And there’ll be a time where they’re calling for my job, and they’re calling for everybody’s job. That’s just how this business works. And I didn’t want to jerk the wheel.”
This philosophy underscores Vrabel’s reluctance to overhaul the running back rotation midseason. By maintaining trust in Stevenson, Vrabel believes he is preserving the chemistry and momentum that have fueled the Patriots’ recent success. Stevenson’s experience and ability to handle a heavy workload make him the preferred option, even as Henderson waits in the wings.
A Shared Backfield, But Stevenson Leads
While Vrabel remains committed to Stevenson, he also acknowledged that the running back position is not a one-man show. “All our backs are going to play,” he stated. “TreVeyon’s going to have a role, and Terrell [Jennings] is going to have a role. And Rhamondre – he’s a very good pass protector. And again, there’s the whole body of work.”
For now, Stevenson’s reliability in pass protection and his ability to execute in high-pressure situations have solidified his role as the primary back. However, Vrabel’s comments suggest that Henderson’s time will come, particularly if Stevenson’s fumbling issues persist. The rookie’s limited touches may reflect a strategic choice to ease him into the NFL rather than an outright lack of confidence in his abilities.
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots continue their push for AFC East dominance, Vrabel’s trust in Stevenson signals a commitment to a balanced offensive approach that values versatility and consistency. While Henderson’s explosive potential remains tantalizing, Vrabel’s decision to lean on Stevenson is rooted in the veteran’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Should Stevenson’s ball-security issues worsen, Vrabel may be forced to reevaluate his approach. For now, however, it’s clear that the “Rhamondre show” will continue to headline the Patriots’ ground game in Foxborough.