Former Patriot James White had some advice for Rhamondre Stevenson heading into 2024 season
As Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt looks to reignite New England's rushing attack, Stevenson's future with the Patriots is contingent on his ability to improve this season.
Just a few weeks into the 2023 season, Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was struggling to hit his stride. The 2021 fourth round draft pick averaged just 2.8 yards per carry through the first five games, clawing at defenders with little help from his offensive line.
His performance marked a drastic departure from the run-heavy offense that was once the New England’s identity.
A year before Stevenson was drafted, in 2020, the Patriots managed their most effective run game in over 20 years. The team logged 2,346 rushing yards, thanks to contributions from former Patriots Damien Harris and James White.
Since then, New England’s ability to run the ball has declined. Through 2023, the team rushed for just 1,627 yards.
And while Stevenson became more productive as the season progressed – averaging 4 yards per carry by the time he was injured in Week 13 – it wasn’t enough to revive the dismal offense.
Now, as new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt looks to reignite the run game, he’ll look no further than Stevenson.
As the 26-year-old enters a contract year, however, he’ll have to continue to improve his performance. White, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots over eight seasons, had a few suggestions for how his former teammate can take his game to the next level.
“I think it’s just continue to build,” White said on MassLive’s “Eye on Foxborough” Podcast. “I think each year he’s gotten better and better. I know when Damien [Harris] got hurt and he was thrusted into that full time role, a lot was thrown at him, but I think he embraces that now. He wants to be the feature back.”
But as Stevenson enters his fourth season, he’ll need to demonstrate his longevity in New England.
“So I think for him, it’s just taking care of your body and just continuing to work on your endurance,” White said. “If you’re gonna be on the field for 80% of the snaps, you’re gonna have to build up your endurance and I think it’s the — he did that and he just rolled his ankle and that ended up taking him out.”
The running back has yet to sign a contract extension, but if he can stay injury-free, he could reap generous rewards.
“The running back market, a lot of guys got a solid payday this past free agency. More than what I ever expected. So I think [Stevenson] should be sitting pretty good, just gotta go out there and perform,” White said. “I think [Stevenson], he has to stay healthy and perform at a high level, and whether it’s the Patriots or somebody else, (they) will pay him some good money.”
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