A new era begins in Foxborough, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick">Bill Belichick</a> no longer at the helm of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-england-patriots">New England Patriots</a> for the 2024 NFL season. But before he starts to work under Jerod Mayo‘s orders, running back <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rhamondre-stevenson">Rhamondre Stevenson</a> wants to let the new head coach know his intentions for this year.



“I want to be the featured back for the Patriots,” Stevenson said, via the Boston Globe. “I love playing all three downs. Playing running back on third down is totally different from first and second down. It’s a totally different position. You have to pick up the blitz, run your route, keep the quarterback safe — there’s a lot that goes into it. But when you do it right, it’s like an accomplishment.”



Stevenson, 25, aims to become the Patriots’ primary option on the ground. While an ankle injury ended his season prematurely last year, the Oklahoma product also faced competition in his three seasons at Gillette Stadium, with James White, Damien Harris, and Ezekiel Elliott at his position.



But now that he’s been left as the most experienced player in a young RB room, Stevenson wants to prove his worth as his four-year, $4,229,056 contract expires at the end of 2024. He hopes the rest of his teammates can contribute as well, but Stevenson wants to lead the way.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240216_BUS_105476_Rhamondre-Stevenson-38-of-the-New-England-Patriots-stretches-over-Jason-Pinnock-27-of-the-New-York-1024x576_3ab7a523.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots stretches over Jason Pinnock #27 of the New York Giants while scoring a rushing touchdown during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey." class="wp-image-105488" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Rhamondre-Stevenson-38-of-the-New-England-Patriots-stretches-over-Jason-Pinnock-27-of-the-New-York-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Rhamondre-Stevenson-38-of-the-New-England-Patriots-stretches-over-Jason-Pinnock-27-of-the-New-York-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Rhamondre-Stevenson-38-of-the-New-England-Patriots-stretches-over-Jason-Pinnock-27-of-the-New-York-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Rhamondre-Stevenson-38-of-the-New-England-Patriots-stretches-over-Jason-Pinnock-27-of-the-New-York-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Rhamondre-Stevenson-38-of-the-New-England-Patriots-stretches-over-Jason-Pinnock-27-of-the-New-York.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots stretches over Jason Pinnock #27 of the New York Giants while scoring a rushing touchdown during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.</figcaption></figure>



“I definitely don’t want to be just the only running back,” Stevenson said. “I definitely want Kevin (Harris) to get in. I definitely want things to happen. But I kind of want to take the charge.”


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<h2>Patriots need to improve in offense</h2>



While the defense may have been one of the Patriots’ few bright spots in the last few years, their offense has left a lot to be desired. After Bill O’Brien failed to right the ship in 2023, former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was hired for the same job in New England.



Needless to say, Van Pelt faces a challenging task in trying to fix an offense that has been dysfunctional, to put it lightly, since <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tom-brady">Tom Brady</a> left the organization. Last year, the Patriots and Carolina Panthers finished tied for the fewest points per game with 13.9.


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Fortunately for Stevenson, the new Patriots OC is a guy who believes in the importance of a strong running game. “I think running the football in this league wins games, wins championships, being able to do that late into the season,” Van Pelt said, via NESN.



However, one of the biggest questions around the Patriots heading into 2024 is who will be at quarterback. Bailey Zappe ended up benching <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mac-jones">Mac Jones</a> last season, but his performances weren’t impressive either. New England has the third overall pick in the Draft, so chances are a new quarterback will join the team.

With Bill Belichick gone, Patriots star issues strong warning to Jerod Mayo

Patriots star responds to Bill Belichick's exit by sending warning to Jerod Mayo - Bolavip US

With Bill Belichick gone, Patriots star makes clear petition to Jerod Mayo

miniaturas

Everybody around the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-england-patriots" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New England Patriots</a> — and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> — is talking about Bill Belichick and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mac-jones" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mac Jones </a>and whether they’ll continue to be a part of the organization in the future.



They’re both under heavy scrutiny after a subpar season, and team owner Robert Kraft has made it loud and clear that he won’t tolerate another mediocre campaign in 2023.



However, even though he may not get as much of the spotlight, the key to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick">Bill Belichick’s</a> team offensive breakout could come from Rhamondre Stevenson, who’ll enter the year as the lead RB.



<h2>Stevenson Wants To Be A Leader</h2>



“That’s what’s being asked of me right now,” Stevenson told the Boston Herald about his new-found leadership role. “I’m trying to take that step. It’s still early, but I’m trying to take that step to be a leader.”



“Just getting in shape again, just getting my wind back,” Stevenson continued “Damien’s [Harris] out of here now so I’m kind of the guy, so just trying to make sure I’m ready for the end of the season.”



<h2>Stevenson Is Getting Ready For The Season</h2>



Likewise, he knows he’s going to be in for an expanded role in 2023. Bill Belichick has never doubted sending a player back into the dog house, so he knows he needs to back up the talk with his play:



“It’s just a long season. You just have to mentally prepare for that long season,” Stevenson added. “That’s the best thing you can do, just mentally prepare, just know that it’s a 17-game season and have to get after it.”



“I think just getting years under your belt in this league brings confidence,” Stevenson continued. “I think I’m pretty confident, just being around almost the same guys for three years, just building that chemistry is bringing us closer and play better.”



There will be no more margin for error in Foxboro. The patience is running out, and there could be plenty of changes if things don’t pan out this season, so the fans better hope Stevenson has a breakout year as expected.

Rhamondre Stevenson embracing big role with the Patriots - Bolavip US

Rhamondre Stevenson embracing big role with the Patriots

Even though they’ve become the most expendable position in real life, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/are-derrick-henry-nick-chubb-and-jonathan-taylor-the-best-rbs-in-the-nfl-20220413-0008.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">running backs</a> continue to rule the day in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/who-is-the-best-quarterback-pick-for-nfl-fantasy-in-2022-20220816-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fantasy Football</a>. Whether you play PPR or any <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/nfl-fantasy-saquon-barkley-and-running-backs-under-the-most-pressure-in-2022-20220720-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">type of league</a>, a tackle-breaking, pass-catching machine guarantees you a shot at the playoffs.
But what happens when all the obvious guys are off the board? We already know Austin Ekeler, Jonathan Taylor, and Derrick Henry will be studs. Everybody does, so chances are they won’t fall right into your lap.
That’s where our guide comes in handy, especially for rookie players. Here, we’re going to let you know about three under-the-radar <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/nfl-fantasy-pierre-strong-jr-and-sleeper-rookie-rbs-to-target-20220727-0013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">runnnig backs</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/nfl-fantasy-pierre-strong-jr-and-sleeper-rookie-rbs-to-target-20220727-0013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a>that will outplay their value and projected draft pick.
<h2>NFL Fantasy: 3 Sleeper Running Backs To Consider</h2>
<h3>3. Rhamondre Stevenson</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220826_BUS_198542_rhamondre_stevenson.jpg_22993414_a831e430.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Rhamondre Stevenson- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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Rhamondre Stevenson needed nine full weeks to finally get Bill Belichick to notice him. Now, he’s expected to have an expander role in the New England Patriotsrun-heavy offense in his sophomore season.
Of course, the Pats’ revolving door of Running Backs could be frustrating, but his touches didn’t go down even when starter Damien Harris was back on the field, and he’s gotten plenty of first-team reps in training camp.
<h3>2. Isiah Pacheco</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220826_BUS_198542_isiah_pacheco_1.jpg_22993414_feb4e006.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Isiah Pacheco- Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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It’s time to be honest and realize that Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a bust. Even when he’s been healthy, which hasn’t been the case often, he’s failed to capitalize on the Kansas City Chiefsexplosive offense.
Isiah Pacheco has drawn plenty of praise during training camp and figures to take most touches away from CEH early in the season. He’s an every-down kind of back and has reliable hands, which will be key for Patrick Mahomes.
<h3>1. Dameon Pierce</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220826_BUS_198542_dameon_pierce.jpg_22993414_5d8f4925.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Dameon Pierce – Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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The Houston Texans won’t be very good next season, so drafting one of their RBs when they’re likely going to trail in most games could be a risky bet. However, Dameon Pierce should looks like a stud in the making.
Pierce has turned a lot of heads during training camp and is already looking at a big workload in Week 1. His status as a relatively-unknown player makes him fall late in most drafts, so don’t hesitate to get him.

Rhamondre Stevenson

With Bill Belichick gone, Patriots star makes clear petition to Jerod Mayo

Rhamondre Stevenson embracing big role with the Patriots

NFL Fantasy: 3 Under-the-radar RBs to win your league