"As soon as it was clear the Patriots were going to lose to the Raiders last week, the overreactions came pouring in, decrying a doom-and-gloom outlook for the rest of the 2025 season. Within those dramatizations, however, were some legitimate concerns, among them the state of the secondary without Christian Gonzalez and the lack of run game integration despite a stacked backfield."
"Because of that, reporters were quick to ask Josh McDaniales about that decision when speaking to him on Thursday, and he actually said what Patriots fans were hoping to hear. Josh McDaniels admits to a big mistake the Patriots made in their Week 1 loss to the Raiders Josh McDaniels was asked what he learned about his 3 running backs in Week 1:"They need the ball more. That's the best way to say it...""
Patriots lost to the Raiders in Week 1 amid concerns about the secondary without Christian Gonzalez and a lack of run-game integration despite a stacked backfield. High expectations centered on Josh McDaniels' offense and a running back roster featuring TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. The backfield recorded just 13 carries for 45 yards and largely disappeared in the second half. Reporters asked McDanials about the usage, and he admitted the backs "need the ball more." The team could increase running-back usage against favorable run defenses such as the Dolphins. All three backs also offer receiving skills to expand their roles.
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