Rhamondre Stevenson’s spot in Patriots' offense doesn’t look safe anymore

After an impressive outing against the Dolphins last week to get the first win in Miami since the 2019 season, the Patriots went into their matchup against the Steelers with momentum in their favor and a bonus with several opposing starters sidelined for the game.

New England's offense, in particular, entered the game with a lot to build upon from their great performance last week, with Rhamondre Stevenson leading the way and Drake Maye having the best game of his NFL career.

There was a lot of hope they'd come out swinging to get their first home win of the season, and while there is still plenty of time for that to happen, it's looking a lot less likely after how their first series went. To make matters worse, they allowed Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers' offense to march down the field and score, all thanks to another untimely fumble by Stevenson.

It's an issue they hoped to have put away last season, as the running back reverted to the problems from his rookie year, with his butter fingers putting his teammates in catch-up mode. Unfortunately, that already happened in this game, and it's possible that it solidified Stevenson's role as the RB2 moving forward.

Rhamondre Stevenson's fumbling woes are still not behind him

In what could have been a promising opening drive, Stevenson fumbled the football for the 15th time in his career on a 1st-and-10 play, which was recovered by the Steelers and ultimately led to the first touchdown of the game.

It's an issue that has plagued the running back throughout his career, and it appeared to have been a thing of the past, especially after his impressive performance last week, only to rear its ugly head early in their Week 3 matchup.

Once the offense got back onto the field for their next drive, Josh McDaniels chose to put rookie TreVeyon Henderson out with the starters and rotate Antonio Gibson in, as well, leaving Stevenson's immediate future in the air.

These careless mistakes cannot continue, or Stevenson will be too much of a liability to take the field. The Patriots' offense is already dealing with a lot on its plate and is trying to establish its identity, and part of that doesn't include turning the ball over.

UPDATE:

After Robert Spillane's incredible interception, the Patriots marched down the field and were 2nd and 1 at Pittsburgh's two yard line, only for Stevenson to fumble again.

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