The New England Patriots opened the 2021 NFL preseason at home on Thursday against the Washington Football Team. While all the attention was on quarterbacks Cam Netwon and Mac Jones, the Patriots have another position battle to keep an eye on — running back.
New England has a crowded running back room, which is not out of the norm as they use a running back by committee. There’s a ton of talent in the Patriots’ RB room between Sony Michel, Damien Harris, James Harris, rookie Rhamondre Stevenson, and J.J. Taylor.
However, out of those five running backs, it was the rookie Stevenson, who stood out with a massive touchdown run towards the end of the game to solidify the win for New England.
Stats
The rookie running back out of Oklahoma had a game-high 127 rushing yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns against the Washington Football.
Analysis
The Patriots might’ve found their new LeGarrette Blount in rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson. New England drafted Stevenson in the fourth round out of Oklahoma. Last year with the Sooners, the 6-foot running back produced 665 rushing yards on 101 carries and 7 touchdowns. He also added 18 receptions for 211 yards.
Stevenson didn’t get to show off his receiving skills last night, but did show that he could be used inside the red zone and a part of the Pats’ running back by committee. The Day 3 pick on his first carry showed nice burst and patience. He would then score the team’s first touchdown from one-yard out.
Rhamondre Stevenson with the Patriots first touchdown of the 2021 season. (Via @FTBVids_YT)pic.twitter.com/1f3ChWNZVn
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) August 13, 2021
However, it was Stevenson’s second rushing touchdown that opened up everyone’s eyes. The former Sooner standout took a regular halfback toss and turned it up the field for 91-yard rushing touchdown. Stevenson, who wasn’t known for his speed in college, easily pulled away from the defense in his preseason debut.
RHAMONDRE STEVENSON COAST TO COST
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 13, 2021
BOOMER SOONER
pic.twitter.com/vMMsXcU5mg
Fantasy implications
With the Patriots flush with running backs, Stevenson’s path toward playing time isn’t clear. But it would not be out of the realm of possibility that Stevenson becomes a waiver wire option during the season if injuries factor in, which they often do.