FOXBOROUGH, Mass – The New England Patriots offense had some ups and downs in their season opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

And after the game, Rhamondre Stevenson spoke to A to Z Sports, detailing what the next challenge for the offense is heading into the rest of the 2023 season. 

"I think we clicked well, but I think we, just offensively, need to get started earlier," Stevenson said. "We were gaining chemistry, been working together for the last six, seven months. So just putting it all together, that's out next challenge."

On their first drive of the game, the Eagles quickly got points on the board after Jake Elliott nailed a 32-yard field goal. The Patriots then got the ball back, but Mac Jones' pass intended for Kendrick Bourne was tipped by the veteran receiver and fell right into the hands of Darius Slay, who took it to the house. 

And things still didn't get any better after Ezekiel Elliott fumbled on the Patriots first play of the next drive, with Philadelphia recovering. The Eagles then went down to score after DeVonta Smith caught a 5-yard touchdown from Jalen Hurts. 

As the first quarter came to a close, the Patriots found themselves in a 16-0 deficit. 

However, the second quarter saw a change in momentum for the team, scoring back-to-back touchdowns and leaving the Eagles with only a two-point lead going into the half. 

So how were they able to regroup and bounce back? 

"We try not to look at the scoreboard too much," Stevenson explained. "Just play four quarters as hard as we can and not make the time an issue until it is, like it was out there tonight. Last two minutes, things like that. So just playing full four quarter game. That's our challenge. And I feel like we did tonight."

Stevenson is coming off a breakout year. Despite starting as a backup to Damian Harris last season, the 25-year-old running back finished the 2022 season with 210 carries for 1,040 yards and 69 catches for 421 yards across 17 games. And with Harris suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5, Stevenson became the top running back.

So, getting back out on the field felt good for the young receiver despite many changes made to the offense. 

"Felt great to get out there with my team," Stevenson said. "New team. 2023 Season is underway now. Tough to lose, but yeah, it was good to go out there."

Stevenson finished Sunday's game with 12 carries for 25 yards, along with recording six receptions for 64 yards. 

However, with many games still remaining and a lot to learn after the first game of the season, Stevenson highlighted how he still wants to grow as a player in such a competitive league. 

"Still just trying to become a pro and just get better on the football field," Stevenson said. "Just getting better with each game. It's game one still, 2023 season, so just building up that."

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