Fumbling problem has put a ‘target’ on Rhamondre Stevenson’s back, Alex Van Pelt says
Stevenson has been dynamic at times, but he has also fumbled in all three games.
Through three games, Rhamondre Stevenson has been the Patriots’ most potent offensive weapon.
He has more rushing yards than the Patriots’ top two pass-catching targets (Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas) have receiving yards combined.
However, there is a pattern developing in Stevenson’s game that the Patriots would like to see corrected. He has fumbled in all three games this season.
“It’s a fine line,” offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said. “Obviously you can’t fumble the football and that’s the No. 1 thing. Job security is ball security. So, now he’s got a target on his back. Teams are going to see that and they’re going to come after the football.”
Van Pelt said the issue is a correctable one that he expects Stevenson to focus on in practice.
“It’s drill work you do during the course of practice and then just an intense focus on it in the game just making sure you’re high and tight with the ball in traffic,” Van Pelt said. “That was an unfortunate one (Thursday) night that could have been avoided. We tried to get something going in the run game and when that happens, you’re like ‘oh here we go’.
“But, I know he’ll address it,” Van Pelt added. “I know he’s proud about it. We’ve been really good so far about not giving the ball away in that scenario again where he’ll be better because of it.”
Stevenson did not point out any specific techniques when asked what he need to do to improve his ball security.
“I gotta hold the ball, Stevenson said. “I just gotta hold it.”
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