Rhamondre Stevenson's Fumble Struggles Continue: Is the Patriots' Lead Back Role in Jeopardy?
The New England Patriots’ 2024 season is already looking shaky, and the problems extend beyond just their 1-2 record. One of the most glaring issues this season has become the ongoing struggles of their lead running back, Rhamondre Stevenson. In Thursday night's devastating 24-3 loss to the New York Jets, Stevenson fumbled for the third consecutive game, and it’s raising serious concerns about his ability to hold onto the football. With the Patriots already dealing with offensive line issues, lackluster passing, and an underperforming defense, Stevenson's fumbles are just adding fuel to the fire.
Stevenson’s mistake couldn’t have come at a worse time. Down 21-3 in the fourth quarter, with the Patriots desperately trying to make something happen, Jets safety Chuck Clark ripped the ball right from Stevenson's hands, turning the third Patriots drive of the fourth quarter into yet another missed opportunity. While Stevenson has shouldered some of the blame, the Patriots have bigger questions to answer about his role going forward.
Rhamondre Stevenson's Fumble Problem: Three Strikes and Counting
Fumbling once is a mistake. Fumbling twice raises eyebrows. But fumbling three times in three weeks? That’s a pattern—and one that could cost Stevenson his starting job if it continues. After Thursday’s fumble, Stevenson was benched, finishing the game with just 23 rushing yards on six carries—his lowest production of the season.
The sad reality is that Stevenson's fumble streak is overshadowing what was expected to be another strong season for the 26-year-old back. Entering Week 3, Stevenson had been averaging 100.5 rushing yards per game, providing a rare bright spot in the Patriots’ otherwise struggling offense. However, his third fumble of the season couldn’t be ignored, especially after the previous two were somewhat glossed over in Week 1 and Week 2.
In Week 1, Stevenson's fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals was largely forgotten thanks to the Patriots' shocking upset win. In Week 2, his fumble was overshadowed by the controversial officiating in New England’s overtime loss to the Seahawks. But in Week 3, there was no escaping it—Stevenson's fumble was front and center, and it played a pivotal role in yet another disappointing loss.
Ball security is a non-negotiable in the NFL, and Stevenson’s issues are quickly becoming a liability. He has already matched 75% of his 2022 fumble total in just three games this season. In 2022, Stevenson fumbled four times across the entire season, and while those numbers didn’t raise too many red flags then, they’re now flashing in neon lights. Three fumbles in three weeks is more than just bad luck—it’s a fundamental problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
To make matters worse, the Patriots offense is already operating on thin margins. With a shaky offensive line that has given Jacoby Brissett little time to work, and a lack of explosive playmakers in the passing game, the Patriots can’t afford to be giving away possessions. Stevenson's fumbles have come at critical moments, killing any momentum New England might have been building. The Patriots are not a team that can recover from repeated turnovers, and Stevenson is now at the center of their turnover problem.
Stevenson Acknowledges Mistakes, But Will That Be Enough?
After the game, Stevenson didn’t make excuses. “I gotta hold the ball,” he said, acknowledging the problem that has haunted him all season.
However, the issue is more complicated than just acknowledging mistakes. For Stevenson, the pressure is now on to not only fix his fumbling woes but also regain the trust of head coach Jerod Mayo and his teammates.
Mayo has already shown patience with Stevenson, letting his fumbles slide in the first two games. But patience is running thin, and the decision to bench Stevenson after Thursday’s fumble speaks volumes. The message is clear: Stevenson has one job—hold onto the ball—or he risks losing his starting role altogether. The Patriots coaching staff isn’t going to wait forever for Stevenson to correct his mistakes, especially with their season already hanging in the balance.
What’s Next for Rhamondre Stevenson and the Patriots?
The Patriots are in a precarious position. After a strong Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, they’ve dropped two consecutive games and have been outclassed in both matchups. The offense looks sluggish, the defense is missing tackles and struggling without key players like Ja'Whaun Bentley and Christian Barmore, and now, their lead running back can’t hold onto the football.
So, what’s next for Rhamondre Stevenson? If he wants to keep his starting job, he’ll need to fix his ball security issues fast. Fumbling for a fourth consecutive game could very well spell the end of his run as the Patriots’ lead back. And with a tough schedule ahead—including a daunting Week 4 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers—Stevenson and the Patriots don’t have much time to regroup.
For now, Stevenson’s future remains uncertain. He has shown that he has the talent to be one of the league’s top running backs, but talent alone won’t keep him on the field. The Patriots coaching staff will likely keep a close eye on Stevenson in practice, and if the fumbling issues persist, we could see more playing time for the team’s backup running backs in the coming weeks.
The Patriots Are Running Out of Time
The Patriots' season is at a critical juncture. At 1-2, they’re not out of playoff contention, but the team has major issues to address on both sides of the ball. Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots’ placeholder quarterback, is doing his best to keep the offense afloat, but without a reliable running game, there’s only so much he can do.
The offensive line is struggling, the defense is missing key players, and now their lead running back can’t be trusted to hold onto the football. If the Patriots don’t fix these issues soon, the season could slip away before they have a chance to right the ship. Head coach Jerod Mayo has his hands full, but his top priority has to be fixing the team’s turnover problems, starting with Stevenson.
H2: Final Thoughts: Can Stevenson Turn Things Around Before It’s Too Late?
Rhamondre Stevenson’s fumble issues have put his role as the Patriots’ lead running back in serious jeopardy. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance in the past, his inability to hold onto the ball is threatening to derail his season—and the Patriots’ season along with it. The next few weeks will be crucial for Stevenson. If he can fix his ball security and regain the trust of the coaching staff, he could still be the key to turning around the Patriots’ offense. But if the fumbles continue, his days as New England’s lead back may be numbered.
The clock is ticking, and the Patriots are running out of time. Will Stevenson rise to the challenge and turn his season around? Or will his fumbling issues continue to haunt him—and the Patriots—for the rest of the year? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Patriots can’t afford any more turnovers if they want to salvage their 2024 season.
