Bench Rhamondre Stevenson? Why Patriots Shouldn’t Make Bold Move

Rhamondre Stevenson is the best skill position player on the New England Patriots. Stevenson arguably is the best offensive player the talent-lacking team has, too.

But Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo had the chance to send a message to the rest of the roster Sunday and failed to do so. Mayo’s sentiments about disciplining repeat offenders and “ball security is job security” — yes, one of Bill Belichick’s most popular mantras — fell flat.

Stevenson fumbled for the fourth time in four games against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. No other NFL running back has fumbled more than twice. The fumble, which came on the first snap of the Patriots’ second offensive possession, set up the Niners at New England’s 30-yard line. A Patriots team that cannot play from behind gifted the hosts great field position, and ultimately an easy three points.

“If you look at even just the past, really all season, he has a target on his back as far as a guy that doesn’t have good ball security,” Mayo told reporters Monday after the 30-13 loss, per a team-provided transcript. “We always talk about ball security equaling job security, and we just have to continue to develop that.”

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Belichick, and many others, would have benched Stevenson at that moment. Patriots radio broadcaster Scott Zolak said as much on the 98.5 The Sports Hub broadcast immediately after Stevenson lost his second fumble in as many games. That’s what should have happened.

Stevenson, however, was back on the field four minutes later after backup running back Antonio Gibson received one carry. He sat for one series. Stevenson played 55% of offensive snaps while Gibson played 34%.

Mayo missed an opportunity to deliver a culture-setting message, especially since the punchless Patriots trailed 13-0 with 14:01 left in the second quarter when Stevenson returned. Given the 2024 campaign has everything to do with the future and little to do with wins and losses this season, it was the perfect situation to send the message. Mayo’s talks on accountability, repeat offenders and ball security currently ring hollow.

The troubling trend has Patriots fans and media members questioning if New England should bench Stevenson going forward. It doesn’t feel like that would be a good resolution entering Week 5. It also doesn’t feel like something Mayo and company will do. It would have landed better in the moment.

There’s also the fact New England’s roster is not oozing with depth behind Stevenson or any other position. Gibson has performed well in his limited opportunities, but the offense lacks talent at skill positions. Benching Stevenson after he already played a full game following his fumble wouldn’t make much sense.

One more chance, perhaps? Because if the same scenario arises again in the near future, Mayo can’t miss the opportunity.