Patriots’ Rhamondre Stevenson taking on increased responsibility in year three
FOXBORO, Mass. – Rhamondre Stevenson has a lot more responsibility heading into his third year with the New England Patriots. Last season, Damien Harris was the Patriots starting running back, but an injury allowed Stevenson to take over that starting spot. However, when Harris returned, the two split carries, but now it is Stevenson who is […]
FOXBORO, Mass. – Rhamondre Stevenson has a lot more responsibility heading into his third year with the New England Patriots.
Last season, Damien Harris was the Patriots starting running back, but an injury allowed Stevenson to take over that starting spot. However, when Harris returned, the two split carries, but now it is Stevenson who is in the drivers seat for the Patriots.
In March, Harris signed a one-year $1.7 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, remaining in the AFC East, but heading to play alongside Josh Allen instead of Mac Jones (or 10-piece as Harris called him).
With that move, it is fairly clear that the starting running back position is Stevenson's to lose, with James Robinson, Pierre Strong Jr., and Ty Montgomery behind him on the depth chart.
And with that position comes the responsibility of leadership.
"That's what's being asked of me right now," Stevenson said. "I'm trying to take that step. It's still early like I said, but I'm trying to take that step of being a leader."
In his rookie season, Stevenson appeared in 12 games with 133 carries for 606 yards and five touchdowns. He stepped it up in his second season, playing in all 17 games with 210 carries for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns.
Now heading into his third year, Stevenson wants those numbers to keep increasing.
"I'd say the whole thing, just getting in shape again and just getting my wind back," Stevenson said. "Like you said, Damien is out of here now, so I'm kind of the guy, so just trying to make sure I'm ready for the end of the season this year."
While he was limited during the first OTAs session last week, Stevenson has been attending these optional practices and it appears he is putting in the work to be ready when the season starts up in September.
"It's just a long season and you got to mentally prepare for that long season," Stevenson said. "Just know it's a 17 game season and got to get after it."
Featured Image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
