Patriots: 3 players who earned Week 1 playing time in preseason opener

1. RB Rhamondre Stevenson

Rhamondre Stevenson has been all over the place in training camp, as his highlight-reel runs have been countered by the fact that running backs coach Ivan Fears hinted that he has a ton of work to do. Stevenson not only proved Fears wrong, but he may have pulled off what could be the biggest highlight of the preseason for New England.

Stevenson put the win on ice by scampering 91 yards for the touchdown. The burly back carried the ball 10 times for 127 yards in this game, but that game-breaking run gave the Patriots a win and proved that he should be on the field in some capacity this season.

Rhamondre Stevenson stole the show for the Patriots.

Stevenson might have the build of a traditional one-cut power back, but he proved in this game that he has enough juice and lateral mobility to pop off some big plays. His film at Oklahoma was extremely promising, and Stevenson appears to have translated those skills well.

Belichick has a soft spot for bigger running backs like Antowain Smith, Corey Dillon, and LeGarrette Blount who can be a wrecking ball inside. While Damien Harris is still the projected starter, Stevenson continuing to impress in the preseason could help him make his case for the backup job.

New England Patriots: 3 preseason worries no one is talking about

These three issues could come back to bite the New England Patriots in the butt if they don't resolve them in a timely manner.