How Jerod Mayo ‘Challenged’ Rhamondre Stevenson Before Week 1 Breakout

The New England Patriots clearly believed Rhamondre Stevenson could return to his productive ways. They showed that by giving him a four-year extension before the season.

In the season opener, Stevenson rewarded that confidence with 125 yards and the lone Patriots touchdown in New England's 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

After a career-year in 2022, Stevenson did not rush for 100 yards in any game last season. Head coach Jerod Mayo shared his preseason message to the New England running back, who answered the call in Week 1.

"I challenged Rhamondre in the spring," Mayo told reporters, per team-provided video. "'Look, you don't get a lot of love, a lot of hype.' I've always believed he's one of the best running backs in the league. When we signed him to the extension, there was no one more happy than me because I know what he's capable of. He showed that today. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He can run, break tackles and do all of those things. He's a great player."

"He was just telling me we were gonna run the ball," Stevenson told reporters, per team-provided video. "We gotta be a force in the run game. He believes in me. Just get the ball downhill. Just get first downs and keep our offense on the field."

The Patriots won the time of possession battle as the run game took control with Stevenson finding lanes behind a solid performance from a previously-struggling offensive line.

"We were challenged all week, we were gonna run the ball," Stevenson said. "Control the line of scrimmage. We did a great job at that."

The Patriots have a chance to improve to 2-0 when they host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 for the home opener at Gillette Stadium.