"The New England Patriots are the NFL's Cinderella team. Like a phoenix, they've risen from the ashes of two straight 4-13 seasons and are now in the AFC Championship game. Mike Vrabel has built and coached, and Drake Maye has led the former floormats into the top four in the NFL. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson has played a surprisingly significant role."
"Stevenson had been looked on as a trade candidate in the offseason and for good reason. He put the ball on the ground seven times in 2024, as many as he scored touchdowns. That's as good a way to punch a ticket out of town for a running back as anything else. Additionally, Stevenson began this year similarly. He fumbled twice in the Pittsburgh game in Week 3, which helped turn an easy win into a terrible loss."
"After game five, Stevenson would have been on thin ice, but in that game, Antonio Gibson, who'd been solid for the Patriots, suffered a season-ending injury. Head Coach Mike Vrabel had little choice but to elevate Stevenson, give him more playing time, and, belatedly but finally, get his explosive rookie running back, TreVeyon Henderson, into the mix. Both have shone, and Stevenson has thrived."
The New England Patriots recovered from consecutive 4-13 seasons to reach the AFC Championship under head coach Mike Vrabel with Drake Maye at quarterback. Rhamondre Stevenson entered the year viewed as a trade candidate after multiple fumbles and ball-security issues, including costly turnovers in Weeks 3 and 5. A season-ending injury to Antonio Gibson forced increased roles for Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson. Stevenson responded by producing his best stretch, finishing with 603 rushing yards in 14 games, seven rushing touchdowns, a 4.6-yard average, 32 receptions for 345 yards, two receiving touchdowns, and 40 first downs.
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