Rhamondre Stevenson Answered Call After Patriots Coaching Decision

The New England Patriots made an important decision regarding the starting lineup entering Week 5. The team rolled with Antonio Gibson as the starting running back after Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled four times in the first four games.

That was quite the message to send the fourth-year running back who signed a lucrative extension with the Patriots in the offseason. New England’s running game still found success against the Miami Dolphins as Stevenson worked himself back into the mix.

Stevenson led the team with 12 carries for 89 yards, including the lone touchdown of the day for the Patriots on an elusive 33-yard run through the Miami defense.

“I feel good about it,” Stevenson told reporters, per team-provided video. “I just need to hold the ball.”

The Patriots running back carried the ball with confidence in an effort that looked more like the norm from the talented New England skill player.

“Not at all, plenty of conversations with my coaches,” Stevenson added. “The head coach (Jerod) Mayo and my teammates and everything. A big thing was just be myself. The ball is the ball. I have to come up with it. The main thing this week was be myself. Run how I run and don’t think about it too much.”

The Patriots must turn to Stevenson again to find some offensive rhythm after New England dropped its fourth consecutive contest.