Unexpected player predicted to be Patriots MVP this season

Before training camp even begins, the Patriots are already being predicted to be one of the worst teams in the league for the 2024 season.

From Bill Belichick departing at the start of the offseason and being replaced by Jerod Mayo to a rookie quarterback surrounded by a questionable offense, most analysts don't have much faith New England will be a better team than last season.

To a degree, it's understandable given their tough schedule and rebuilding status. However, there are plenty of reasons to believe they're on a better track than just one year ago, even when looking at the offensive roster, which was the team's more problematic unit.

Still, the defense remains superior and is projected to maintain its dominance from last season this fall, especially with guys like Christian Barmore, Kyle Dugger, and Joshua Uche receiving new contracts in free agency.

So, it would make sense for the predicted MVP of the Patriots' 2024 season to be a defensive stud, right?

Not according to Eric Edholm of NFL.com, as he chose a surprising offensive playmaker to receive that label ahead of the preseason.

Unexpected player predicted to be Patriots MVP this season

Although who will ultimately be named the starting quarterback remains up for debate, the offensive weapons around who that will appear mostly intact. The belief is that the receiving corps will be led by Kendrick Bourne and DeMario Douglas, with some believing rookies Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk will be immediate contributors and rising stars.

But with new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt calling plays and his history of run-heavy teams, Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to play a significant role in the offense's success this fall. Because of that, Edholm predicts the running back will be the team's MVP, citing his impressive 2022 season production and Van Pelt's guidance for the early label.

"Stevenson is fresh off an underwhelming campaign (4.4 yards per touch, four TDs) himself. But two years ago, he was one of the few reliable producers for a stagnant New England offense, totaling 1,461 yards from scrimmage, and he might have to be the workhorse once again in 2024. He's a quality downhill runner and capable receiver who could thrive in an Alex Van Pelt system.

The former Browns offensive coordinator oversaw four straight top-12 rushing attacks in Cleveland, spearheaded by bigger backs in the Stevenson mold, so Rhamondre's my MVP flier for now, while the rest of the offense remains a deconstructed ship in a bottle."

Given how much the quarterbacks have relied on Stevenson since he was drafted in 2021, even pushing Damien Harris out of the starting role a year later, it's fair to assume the same will be true this year for Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye.

Clearly, the new regime led by Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf believes in what Stevenson can bring to the table since the running back was re-signed to a three-year extension last month, something most believe would not have happened under Bill Belichick.

That, coupled with Van Pelt's knack for Stevenson-style play, suggests that he will have a big 2024 season and will hopefully help bring some stability to an otherwise questionable offense.

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