Patriots’ Stevenson ready to be ‘the guy’ in 2023
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Rhamondre Stevenson emerged as the Patriots’ lead option in the backfield last season over Damien Harris, who seemed to lose his top role early in the season and never reclaimed it after catching the injury bug late in the year.
Going into this season, though, there’s no question.
Harris is gone after signing with the rival Bills in free agency, meaning Stevenson is the unquestioned leader of the Patriots’ running back group. After a strong second season, when he tallied 1,040 rushing yards, the thirdyear back seems ready for the responsibility that comes with that. The 25year-old is trying to be more of a leader in the running back room. And he wants to be counted on to produce for the Patriots on a weekly basis.
“That’s what’s being asked of me right now,” Stevenson said of his blooming leadership after the Patriots’ OTA session on Tuesday. “I’m trying to take that step. It’s still early, but I’m trying to take that step to be a leader.”
As the Patriots start their early work and preparation for the upcoming season here in June, with minicamp set for next week, Stevenson said his conditioning has been a focus.
“Just getting in shape again, just getting my wind back,” Stevenson said. “Damien’s out of here now so I’m kind of the guy, so just trying to make sure I’m ready for the end of the season.”
That’s key for Stevenson, who shouldered a heavy workload last season with 279 touches, which ranked tied for 10th in the NFL among running backs. He admitted toward the end of last season that he was feeling that load a bit. With that experience under him, he knows how to prepare for what should be potentially an even heavier season in 2023.
““I’d just say the same thing I was doing, just more consistency,” Stevenson said. “Just doing the same thing every day, just taking care of my body and just trying to be proactive. …
“It’s just a long season. You just have to mentally prepare for that long season. That’s the best thing you can do, just mentally prepare, just know that it’s a 17-game season and have to get after it.”
Stevenson is a Patriots breakout candidate in 2023. There were some changes to the coaching staff, but most of the same players are returning to the offense. He’s comfortable and ready to be a key leader for this group as it looks to take a big step from last season.
“I think just getting years under your belt in this league brings confidence,” Stevenson said. “I think I’m pretty confident, just being around almost the same guys for three years, just building that chemistry is bringing us closer and play better.” Filling a big void After being a fixture of the Patriots defense for 13 seasons, Devin McCourty retired this offseason. From a leadership perspective, especially for the secondary, that will be almost impossible to make up.
But Kyle Dugger, who’s entering his fourth season, is hopeful they can collectively. And it seems he’s taking some initiative as one of those lead voices.
“That’s somebody you can’t replace, and he was huge on communication,” Dugger said. “Big voice back there for us. That definitely has to pick up from everybody but definitely, knowing the defense and things, I want to make sure I communicate as much as I can to make sure it’s not a drop-off.” Gonzalez fits in After missing the team’s first open practice last week, Patriots top draft pick Christian Gonzalez was present on Tuesday and he earned reps with the first-team defense, as he lined up across Jonathan Jones in the first 11on-11 period. It looks like the Patriots have big plans for the rookie cornerback they took at No. 17 overall, and his teammates came away impressed with his athleticism.