Through the first five games of the 2025 NFL season, running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been the subject of a lot of conversation when the Patriots are mentioned. Unfortunately for the veteran, it hasn't been for good reason, as he has now fumbled three times in three games, leading many fans to demand he be benched the rest of the year.
That might have been a possibility before Antonio Gibson suffered what appears to be a severe leg injury during their Sunday Night Football matchup with the Bills, but now that he will likely be out for a significant amount of time, Mike Vrabel has no choice but to keep Stevenson in. And he made it clear that was the plan by keeping him in for the entirety of this past Sunday's game.
It was another brutal showing for Stevenson, who appeared to have put the fumbling issue in his past, only for it to become a big problem again so far this season. He redeemed himself against the Bills by scoring the only two touchdowns for the Patriots, and from what he said in the post-game press conference, there's one player who can be thanked for his mindset.
Stefon Diggs might have made a bigger impact on the Patriots win than the box score will tell you
Given the severity of his mistakes over the last three games, it wouldn't be surprising if Stevenson became disheartened about his stance with the team. He said as much after losing two fumbles against the Steelers a few weeks ago.
Instead, he received encouragement from Stefon Diggs, who has quickly become a strong voice in the locker room and helped keep Stevenson focused, proving even more just how valuable he is to this Patriots team.
Rhamondre Stevenson on Stefon Diggs:
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) October 6, 2025
“He a baller, I call him Unc.”
Stevenson says Diggs was one of the people who encouraged him after his fumble telling the RB he was going to make a play
-@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/AfFmg3cvoq
As if Diggs hadn't already shown just how great a signing he was this offseason, he demonstrates again why he is so crucial to the development of this year's team and how bought in he is with Vrabel's vision.
He might have been the difference maker in the Bills game for more than one reason, with his performance being the greatest example. But the fact that he chose to uplift Stevenson after another brutal mistake shows just how much he cares about the team and his teammates, which can't be taught or forced.
It's exactly what Stevenson needed to keep his head in the game and not get thrown off by another fumble. Obviously, the ball security problem will need to be addressed, especially now that Gibson will be out for some time.
But at least in the moment of the action, he was able to right his mind, with the help of Diggs, and score two needed touchdowns to sneak out the win in Buffalo and help put the Patriots in a great spot going into their Week 6 game vs. the Saints.