Jerod Mayo making a statement by demoting Patriots' best offensive weapon

Coming into the 2024 season, the Patriots were expected to be a run-first team for various reasons, one of which was due to the rise of Rhamondre Stevenson in their offense since he was drafted in 2021. Couple that with new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, known for utilizing running backs the most in his game plans, and it was a clear path of success for the newly extended player.

It was apparent in the season opener that was exactly the plan for the year ahead, as Stevenson recorded 25 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown, followed by another impressive showing in Week 2, totaling 21 carries for 81 yards and a score.

He had quickly become the only productive member of the struggling offense and looked like he would be their saving grace through an otherwise disappointing year.

However, the problem with that assumption was the return of Stevenson's fumbling issue that plagued his performance during his second season. It was a bad habit that got him put into Bill Belichick's doghouse, and it took several weeks before he was fully integrated into the game plans again.

Fast forward to this season, and he's facing a similar situation with new head coach Jerod Mayo, who is holding the running back responsible for his turnovers, especially after his fumble against the 49ers last week led to a score.

Jerod Mayo is setting a precedent by demoting Rhamondre Stevenson in Week 5

Despite the label of a player's coach, a narrative he has continued to battle, Mayo is proving to have a no-nonsense approach to many things as the Patriots head coach. He displayed that by seemingly making rookie Javon Baker a healthy scratch after his Instagram live debacle before the season began and has done it again with Stevenson ahead of Week 5.

The running back has now recorded four fumbles through the first four games of the season, which has put the already disappointing offense in worse shape.

Because of that, Mayo revealed on Friday afternoon that Stevenson will not be the starter in Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins, with Antonio Gibson stepping up in his place, as a way to show their lack of tolerance for his continued problematic play.

It's not a stance many head coaches in Mayo's position would make given how integral Stevenson is for the success of the offense. Because he's a dual-threat player, he has been heavily used by Jacoby Brissett, but now he won't have that option nearly as much, at least for the upcoming game.

It's likely not a long-term 'punishment' for Stevenson, since he has proven beyond a doubt to be the Patriots best offensive weapon. However, handing as many opportunities to opponents as he has this year is not ideal for any team, no matter how much they win or lose.

Fortunately, in the meantime, Gibson has flashed with the opportunities he's had to get his hands on the football and should be a more than adequate replacement for Stevenson's reps.

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