‘That is Rhamondre’s present’: NFL knowledgeable expects Patriots RB Rhaomndre Stevenson to have a fair higher season in 2023

“Stevenson is recent off his first 1,000-yard season, however the third-year professional ought to be even higher in an offense designed and directed by an skilled offensive coordinator,” Brooks wrote. “Invoice O’Brien will put the ball within the palms of the rugged runner to set the desk for Mac Jones and a complementary play-action passing recreation.

“To not point out, New England’s second-leading rusher from 2022, Damien Harris, departed in free company to Buffalo. So that is Rhamondre’s present. As a three-down playmaker with the dimensions, power, and ability to shoulder a heavy workload, Stevenson may put up huge numbers this season.”

Stevenson had the most effective all-around seasons for a Patriots working again in latest historical past. On prime of dashing for 1,040 yards on an environment friendly 5 yards per carry, Stevenson recorded a team-high 69 receptions. He additionally had 421 receiving yards and 6 complete touchdowns.

Plenty of issues appeared to fall into place for Stevenson to build up 1,461 complete yards. Ty Montgomery suffered a season-ending damage in Week 1, making Stevenson the passing-down working again. Harris was additionally out and in of the lineup, taking part in in 11 video games and leaving a few these contests early attributable to damage.

The Patriots didn’t use rookie working backs Pierre Robust Jr. and Kevin Harris a lot when Damien Harris went down, both. That allowed Stevenson to be a workhorse out of the backfield as he performed in 66 p.c of the offensive snaps, which was the second-highest amongst all extensive receivers, working backs and tight ends on the staff.

Nonetheless, Stevenson ought to get loads of alternatives to showcase his expertise in 2023. The Patriots didn’t make any vital strikes at working again this offseason, with veteran James Robinson being the lone addition on the place. However many early roster projections view Robinson on the bubble to make the 53-man staff.

Montgomery can be again for the Patriots in 2023 as he’s been current on the staff’s organized staff actions. But when he performs, Montomgery’s function would possible be as a passing-down participant like he was within the preseason and in Week 1 of final yr.

Previous to his 1,000-yard season in 2022, Stevenson emerged late in his rookie season a yr prior. He rushed for 606 yards on 4.6 yards per carry and 5 touchdowns in 12 video games with a lot of his harm coming within the last two months of that season.

Stevenson was the one participant on the Patriots to make Brooks’ “All-Breakout” staff whereas just a few gamers from their division rivals had been additionally named (Jets guard Alijah-Vera Tucker, Dolphins middle Connor Williams, and Payments edge Gregory Rousseau).