Patriots benching RB Rhamondre Stevenson amid fumbling issues

Mike Masala

Patriots benching RB Rhamondre Stevenson amid fumbling issues image

The New England Patriots have been among the worst offenses in football through four weeks if not the single worst.

One of the big reasons for their struggles has been that they're turning the ball over more than they're forcing turnovers, and running back Rhamondre Stevenson has played a big part in that, fumbling four times in four weeks.

Despite the fact that the 26-year-old rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns in the first two weeks, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has decided to make a change at the position.

"I had a conversation with Rhamondre, a quite frankly, this week he won't be starting, and I'll just be very upfront and very transparent," Mayo told former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak on this week's "Patriots All Access" episode. "But, he will play. He understands that he has to protect the football going forward. It's a mentality at this point. It's an awareness at this point. There's really not much more to do about technique or anything like that. You're a target on a week-after-week basis as soon as you show that you're gonna put the ball on the ground."

While Stevenson will still likely see the field in Week 5 against Miami, the Patriots will start Antonio Gibson at running back. 

Through four weeks, Gibson has rushed for 155 yards on 5.3 yards per attempt and caught seven passes for 82 yards.

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Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala