While Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots have put some good moments on tape this season, especially when quarterback Drake Maye gets in a groove, but this team has sputtered in key moments due to the continued fumbling issues of running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
Stevenson, who lost two fumbles against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 and has put it on the ground nine times since the start of the 2024 season, was once again listed as the starting running back heading into Week 5. It took three drives for Vrabel's gut decision to bite him in the rear end.
Stevenson fumbled on the Patriots' second possession of their Sunday Night Football duel against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. While the Bills didn't get points out of it, the fact that Stevenson is once again being put out there in a compromising situation is just as much on coaching as anything else.
At this point, putting Stevenson out there is more Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' mistake than that of the player, who is clearly in his own head. After Antonio Gibson started New England's third series of the game against Buffalo, it seems like Vrabel and McDaniels are starting to hold themselves accountable.
Mike Vrabel learned from his mistakes, benches Rhamondre Stevenson after fumble
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, there is no reason for Stevenson to be ahead of rookie second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson on the depth chart. Even if Vrabel and McDaniels don't want to start Henderson, why not give Gibson some extra looks at this point?
Stevenson is still a useful power back with surprising wiggle in the open field, but this fumble issue has killed his potential. This is a multi-year trend as well, so this is not just a good player going through a rough patch.
If McDaniels has a blind spot as an offensive coordinator, it's the fact that he can be absolutely puzzling when it comes to how he uses his running backs. Henderson might be young, but he brings a spark with him that Stevenson loses when he fumbles away another golden opportunity.
The Patriots have built a formula for success in Year 2 of Maye, but they won't be able to put it into motion unless they can find a running back who avoids back-breaking fumbles like Stevenson. Props to Vrabel for at least figuring out that he shouldn't be on the field.