The New England Patriots are grappling with a troubling issue in their running game, one that has cast a shadow over their offensive outlook and raised questions about roster decisions moving forward. At the heart of the problem is a running back room plagued by inconsistency and costly mistakes, most notably fumbles. The team’s struggles were epitomized in their Week 3 loss, where Rhamondre Stevenson, their lead running back, fumbled twice, contributing to a maddening defeat. With an average of 3.4 yards per carry from rookie TreVeyon Henderson and a series of turnovers across the board, the Patriots’ backfield woes are threatening to derail their season, potentially forcing tough decisions that could shape a bleak future for the franchise.
Stevenson’s Struggles: A Costly Burden
Rhamondre Stevenson, who signed a significant contract extension with the Patriots, has been the focal point of the team’s running game. However, his recent performance has been marred by ball-security issues. Stevenson has fumbled nine times in his last 18 games, more than any other non-quarterback in the NFL since the start of last season. No other running back has more than six fumbles in that span. After the Week 3 loss, Stevenson stood at his locker and acknowledged the gravity of his mistakes, stating, “If I can’t hold onto the ball, they don’t need me.”
Despite his 225 combined rushing and receiving yards this season, Stevenson’s fumbles have overshadowed his contributions. His 4.0 yards per carry average is respectable, but the turnovers have eroded trust in his ability to be the reliable workhorse the Patriots envisioned. Head coach Mike Vrabel now faces a difficult decision: bench Stevenson to send a message about accountability or continue to back him in hopes that he can regain his form.
A Committee Approach: Gibson and Henderson
With Stevenson’s struggles, the Patriots have turned to a committee approach, splitting carries among Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, and rookie second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson. However, neither Gibson nor Henderson has proven to be a clear solution. Gibson, a quality backup, has averaged 4.5 yards per carry but also fumbled in Week 3 when briefly given the lead role. Henderson, the most explosive of the trio, has been limited by his struggles in pass protection and a disappointing 3.4 yards per carry average. His team-high 11 carries in the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers came mostly after Stevenson’s benching, and his earlier games saw minimal involvement, with just five and three carries in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively.
The Patriots’ hesitation to make Henderson the focal point stems from his struggles in pass protection, evidenced by three offensive holding penalties in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins. While Stevenson remains the most trusted blocker and has a better success rate, his fumbles have forced Vrabel to consider alternatives, even if they come with their own shortcomings.
A Frustrating Disconnect in the Running Game
The Patriots’ running game woes are particularly frustrating given their potential. The team ranks fifth in ESPN’s run-block win rate, indicating that the offensive line is creating opportunities for success. However, their 29th ranking in rushing success rate and last-place finish in expected points added per rushing play highlight a disconnect. The issue lies not just with the running backs but with the entire offense’s inability to protect the ball. As Vrabel noted, “We’re all responsible for the security of the football. It starts with the person who has it, and then it falls upon the people that are blocking.”
Vrabel’s comments suggest a commitment to addressing the issue through practice and repetition. “We’ve got to continue to practice the crap out of it,” he said, even floating the idea of requiring running backs to carry the ball with two hands in traffic. However, with the Patriots preparing for a critical Week 4 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, the coaching staff must decide how to distribute carries among a group of backs who have all shown reasons for concern.
A Surprising Offensive Output Despite the Flaws
Despite the turnovers and a mediocre wide receiver corps, the Patriots’ offense has shown surprising resilience. They rank 13th in offensive success rate and 15th in EPA/play, a testament to the promising start from rookie quarterback Drake Maye. However, the fumbles and inefficiencies in the running game are holding back an offense that could be far more effective with better ball security and consistency.
The Patriots’ running game is there for the taking, but the question remains: can they find a back they trust to hold onto the ball? Stevenson remains the most talented and reliable option in pass protection, but his fumbles have put his role in jeopardy. Gibson offers a solid backup option but has his own ball-security issues. Henderson, while explosive, is not yet ready to take on a larger role due to his struggles in pass protection and modest 3.4 yards per carry.
The Road Ahead: A Bleak Outlook?
Vrabel’s faith in his running backs is evident, as he stated, “We believe in them, each and every one of them.” However, belief alone may not be enough to salvage a running game that is underperforming despite a strong offensive line. The Patriots’ decision to potentially cut ties with a high-profile player like Stevenson, should his fumbling issues persist, would send a strong message about accountability but could also signal a shift in the team’s offensive identity.
As the Patriots head into their Week 4 matchup, a committee approach seems likely, with Stevenson, Gibson, and Henderson sharing carries early in the game. The coaching staff may opt to ride the hot hand, but the lack of a clear standout raises concerns about the team’s ability to establish a consistent ground game. With a rookie quarterback in Maye showing promise, the Patriots cannot afford to let turnovers and inefficiencies in the running game derail their season.
The future looks uncertain for New England’s backfield. If the fumbling issues persist and the running game continues to struggle, the Patriots may face tough roster decisions that could reshape their offensive strategy. For now, the focus is on practice, repetition, and finding a way to protect the football. But with an average of 3.4 yards per carry and too many turnovers, the Patriots’ running game is a glaring weakness that could define a bleak future for the franchise if not addressed soon.