RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (3 Viewers)

[Banger]

Interesting thread. I was not a fan of drafting any NE backs. I haven't had good luck in the past with that. But Stevenson was sitting in my 12 team redraft in round 9 so I took him 9.10. Honestly I wasn't excited by it but maybe I did something smart for a change. LOL. Hoping some of the optimism here is based on reality.

I‘ve avoided NE RBs for the past 4-5 years probably….but these aren’t your Brady Pats and I don’t know what worked with him will work with anyone despite what the coaches want to do on paper. I really like Stevenson’s ability to break tackles and run hard as well as being a good pass catcher. I don’t have a high degree of confidence but I think he’s the most talented RB on the roster on an offense that may struggle. I bet on Pollard for similar reasons… you put as many chips on situations like these as you can and hope they work out.

 

[Stuart Ullman]

Besides Harris being a FA and needing to be paid, I don't see any reason why Rhamondre Stevenson would take over as the primary ball carrier. It's going to a largely run first approach. The pie will be large but betting on either guy on a weekly basis is going to be a drag.


My gut tells me to roll with the Alabama kid, but at the end of the day I think Stevenson's size and hands is what makes this a competition. You can't teach those two things and Stevenson has them in spades. He's almost the perfect complement to what Harris brings to table. Harris ran for 15 Touchdowns last season. I think that will continue to be the tendency as I don't think New England has brought in anybody at WR or TE that they would rather give opportunities than these 2 RBs in the red area.


Best case scenario, I think you get a nice Nick Chubb / Kareem Hunt split where whoever is playing second fiddle is talented enough to produce but not be a consistently fantasy starter.

 

[Banger]

Phil Perry

@PhilAPerry

Ty Montgomery to IR.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey to the 53.
Marcus Cannon to the practice squad.

 

[Drake Hater]

Anyone starting Stevenson this week against the Watt-less Steelers defense?

 

[RenegadeRoy]

With the new that Monty is on the IR I think Rhamondre could have a decent game. I'm between him and Pierce in the flex.

 

[themeistersinger]

I was all set to drop Stevenson after seeing the 3-headed committee on a bad offense this weekend. But now rethinking it with news Montgomery is on IR. Not sure which way I will go.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I was all set to drop Stevenson after seeing the 3-headed committee on a bad offense this weekend. But now rethinking it with news Montgomery is on IR. Not sure which way I will go.

Still a bad offense but Billy B will find a way to get them better. One of the three gone for now and Stevenson is a talent worth hanging onto to see what happens.

 

[RenegadeRoy]

I was all set to drop Stevenson after seeing the 3-headed committee on a bad offense this weekend. But now rethinking it with news Montgomery is on IR. Not sure which way I will go.

Still a bad offense but Billy B will find a way to get them better. One of the three gone for now and Stevenson is a talent worth hanging onto to see what happens.

The only shining points of the Pats offense currently are Harris and Rhamondre IMO. Their passing game is a mess.

 

[Faust]

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots feel running back is ready for crucial third-down role

 

[Chaka]

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots feel running back is ready for crucial third-down role

Sure. Rhamondre was in on 14 of 57 snaps last week (25%). Harris got 22 & Ty got 21. Do we think the majority of those 21 snaps are going to go to Rhamondre?

I don't. He'll get a slice but I have zero confidence in this Pats offensive coaching staff. Until they don't #### it up, my belief is they will #### it up.

Even if they don't #### it up once I'll still default to the broken Clock theory.

Patricia and Judge are ungood.

 

[FairWarning]

It's going to be a real grinder of a game in Pitt, its all NE can do to win now. They are basically the AFC version of the Bears. I think you have to start him and just hope.

 

[rockaction]

Patricia and Judge are ungood.

Awful. Perhaps I'll eat crow later in the year, but I think even smart money is on these guys not knowing what they're doing but pretending that they are.

This is Bill's show now. He bears the brunt of the blame or all the glory of success. I'm not surprised he's going that route, I'm just wondering why the retread coaches that flamed out so spectacularly elsewhere? The guys he had in the early aughts were at least respected on their side of the ball. Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel might have failed spectacularly as head coaches at numerous levels, but they at least had offense-defense credentials.

Patricia is an offensive nothing and Judge was a special teams guy.

SMDH about the Patriots. If I wasn't such a Jets homer, I'd say that the Jets look better-run than the Pats right now, but we'll probably drop both to them, so I'll refrain.

 

[Chaka]

Patricia and Judge are ungood.

Awful. Perhaps I'll eat crow later in the year, but I think even smart money is on these guys not knowing what they're doing but pretending that they are.

This is Bill's show now. He bears the brunt of the blame or all the glory of success. I'm not surprised he's going that route, I'm just wondering why the retread coaches that flamed out so spectacularly elsewhere? The guys he had in the early aughts were at least respected on their side of the ball. Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel might have failed spectacularly as head coaches at numerous levels, but they at least had offense-defense credentials.

Patricia is an offensive nothing and Judge was a special teams guy.

SMDH about the Patriots. If I wasn't such a Jets homer, I'd say that the Jets look better-run than the Pats right now, but we'll probably drop both to them, so I'll refrain.

I have all the respect in the world for Belichick and that will never change but I am truly shocked that he didn't have a better succession plan in place for McDaniels. How was there no understudy?

It's mind boggling.

 

[RenegadeRoy]

With Watt out, and the WR core being trash, I think the Pats are going to go game control with short passes to TEs and using their RBs.

Harris and Rhamondre are most likely going to split Ty's touches, but I wouldn't be shocked if it tilted in Rhamondre's direction. They've (Bill) been talking up his pass pro and third down work and growth yadda yadda yadda... time to prove it and find anything to get this offense moving the ball. Bill isn't stubborn like some coaches. If something doesn't work, he's not going to try it again.

Maybe I'm a fool but I'm starting Rhamondre at flex this week in half ppr.

 

[Anarchy99]

Patricia and Judge are ungood.

Awful. Perhaps I'll eat crow later in the year, but I think even smart money is on these guys not knowing what they're doing but pretending that they are.

This is Bill's show now. He bears the brunt of the blame or all the glory of success. I'm not surprised he's going that route, I'm just wondering why the retread coaches that flamed out so spectacularly elsewhere? The guys he had in the early aughts were at least respected on their side of the ball. Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel might have failed spectacularly as head coaches at numerous levels, but they at least had offense-defense credentials.

Patricia is an offensive nothing and Judge was a special teams guy.

SMDH about the Patriots. If I wasn't such a Jets homer, I'd say that the Jets look better-run than the Pats right now, but we'll probably drop both to them, so I'll refrain.

I have all the respect in the world for Belichick and that will never change but I am truly shocked that he didn't have a better succession plan in place for McDaniels. How was there no understudy?

It's mind boggling.

The understudy was supposed to Bill O’Brien. Except BOB would only commit to coming in for this year. O’Brien obviously prefers to be an NFL head coach than the OC at Alabama. After a year in NE, he would want a HC job (NFL or college).

What some people are leaving out in the equation is BB wants someone to run the existing system. They don’t want someone to come in and run their own system. BB wanted someone with experience in the NE system (which Patricia and Judge had some knowledge of).

They was a lengthy discussion on the radio the other day where whoever it was (Andy Callahan maybe?) mentioned that Patricia as an defensive coordinator knew offensive plays (especially NE offensive plays) as he schemed against them in practice for years.

What was holding him back is getting a grasp for the time involved to select a play, get it relayed to Jones, and have the offense all on the same page to get a play off on time.

And for now, BB is the one taking the most active role with the offense. The offense is clearly a work in progress, and if they don’t look better after September, then things will be more messed up than I think they are.

We can also monitor how McDaniels does with the Raiders. I don’t think he’ll make a great head coach, but we have to give him a chance as well.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Patricia and Judge are ungood.

Awful. Perhaps I'll eat crow later in the year, but I think even smart money is on these guys not knowing what they're doing but pretending that they are.

This is Bill's show now. He bears the brunt of the blame or all the glory of success. I'm not surprised he's going that route, I'm just wondering why the retread coaches that flamed out so spectacularly elsewhere? The guys he had in the early aughts were at least respected on their side of the ball. Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel might have failed spectacularly as head coaches at numerous levels, but they at least had offense-defense credentials.

Patricia is an offensive nothing and Judge was a special teams guy.

SMDH about the Patriots. If I wasn't such a Jets homer, I'd say that the Jets look better-run than the Pats right now, but we'll probably drop both to them, so I'll refrain.

I have all the respect in the world for Belichick and that will never change but I am truly shocked that he didn't have a better succession plan in place for McDaniels. How was there no understudy?

It's mind boggling.

The understudy was supposed to Bill O’Brien. Except BOB would only commit to coming in for this year. O’Brien obviously prefers to be an NFL head coach than the OC at Alabama. After a year in NE, he would want a HC job (NFL or college).

What some people are leaving out in the equation is BB wants someone to run the existing system. They don’t want someone to come in and run their own system. BB wanted someone with experience in the NE system (which Patricia and Judge had some knowledge of).

They was a lengthy discussion on the radio the other day where whoever it was (Andy Callahan maybe?) mentioned that Patricia as an defensive coordinator knew offensive plays (especially NE offensive plays) as he schemed against them in practice for years.

What was holding him back is getting a grasp for the time involved to select a play, get it relayed to Jones, and have the offense all on the same page to get a play off on time.

And for now, BB is the one taking the most active role with the offense. The offense is clearly a work in progress, and if they don’t look better after September, then things will be more messed up than I think they are.

We can also monitor how McDaniels does with the Raiders. I don’t think he’ll make a great head coach, but we have to give him a chance as well.

Agree with everything here.

Stevenson is parked on my bench until BYEs, and I’m really hoping to see a reason to use him when that time comes.

For now, it’s a mess.

I’ve also been skeptical about Josh McD’s opportunity in Oakland.

 

[Chaka]

The understudy was supposed to Bill O’Brien. Except BOB would only commit to coming in for this year. O’Brien obviously prefers to be an NFL head coach than the OC at Alabama. After a year in NE, he would want a HC job (NFL or college).

What some people are leaving out in the equation is BB wants someone to run the existing system. They don’t want someone to come in and run their own system. BB wanted someone with experience in the NE system (which Patricia and Judge had some knowledge of).

They was a lengthy discussion on the radio the other day where whoever it was (Andy Callahan maybe?) mentioned that Patricia as an defensive coordinator knew offensive plays (especially NE offensive plays) as he schemed against them in practice for years.

What was holding him back is getting a grasp for the time involved to select a play, get it relayed to Jones, and have the offense all on the same page to get a play off on time.

And for now, BB is the one taking the most active role with the offense. The offense is clearly a work in progress, and if they don’t look better after September, then things will be more messed up than I think they are.

We can also monitor how McDaniels does with the Raiders. I don’t think he’ll make a great head coach, but we have to give him a chance as well.

Thanks for that.

I'm a Raider fan and have no idea what to expect from McDaniels the HC, I am cautiously optimistic but that it.

One thing about McDaniels the OC is that he has a feel for how to attack defenses. I don't know who did what behind closed doors but, for years the Pats have had a reputation of really changing up their offensive scheme depending on the opponent. They would come at a team any of 100 different ways and you never knew from week to week. I have to think McDaniels had a significant voice in what the weekly approach should be, how to coach the guys up to execute and how/when to call the offense on Sundays to make it effective. I don't care how well you know the offensive plays, the level of understanding and general feel for the offense McDaniels had isn't easily replaced. Personally I don't think Patricia and/or Judge have given any reason to believe they can do it.

 

[rockaction]

They don’t want someone to come in and run their own system

This I do understand, and is a good point. They were going to want continuity in the system and it's the system that Bill Belichick obviously prefers.

They was a lengthy discussion on the radio the other day where whoever it was (Andy Callahan maybe?) mentioned that Patricia as an defensive coordinator knew offensive plays (especially NE offensive plays) as he schemed against them in practice for years.

What was holding him back is getting a grasp for the time involved to select a play, get it relayed to Jones, and have the offense all on the same page to get a play off on time.

This I only sort of buy. Yes, you're scheming against schemes and should have a holistic view of what works and doesn't, but it speaks to the nature of the game that certain guys gravitate towards offense and others towards defense, largely because the coaches understand the nuances of each discipline better than those on the other side of the ball. Rarely do you hear of an offensive coordinator running a defense later on in his career. It doesn't happen. Now, your point again is salient. They should know the ins and outs of both offense and defense, and well-rounded football minds like Belichick do. I'm just not sure Matty Patty and Joey QB Sneak are even very good NFL football minds.

We can also monitor how McDaniels does with the Raiders. I don’t think he’ll make a great head coach, but we have to give him a chance as well.

His time in Denver wasn't exactly a ringing resume builder. Tebow in the first. Oof.

 

[SoBeDad]

Mac Jones and NE need a deep threat. Parker is not that guy. Maybe Thornton can be that guy. Until then, they'll need long drives, without TOs or penalties, to score TDs. They only had 270 total yards last week, and 7 points, although it would've been 14 if the PI call on the pass to Parker had been called.

 

[Tanner9919]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Mattisin is owned in any league worth anything lol

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

After 1 game, Stevenson a “must drop”?

And somehow, presumably by magic, Mattison (90% rostered in CBS leagues) is widely available for all of us to run out and pick up?

Marvelous.

 

[Banger]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

a little from column A, a little from column B.

 

[kface]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

a little from column A, a little from column B.

Yea I have Stevenson but even I am willing to admit that was probably based mostly on a hope that all things would land right. After week 1 it doesn't look great. I think the NE is going to struggle, they don't have a great oline and the split in carries for those spare yards is going to kill everyone. Week 1 however so i am still holding out hope...

 

[Dr. Octopus]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

a little from column A, a little from column B.

Yea I have Stevenson but even I am willing to admit that was probably based mostly on a hope that all things would land right. After week 1 it doesn't look great. I think the NE is going to struggle, they don't have a great oline and the split in carries for those spare yards is going to kill everyone. Week 1 however so i am still holding out hope...

I don’t think you can take much from Week 1. The Pats have always struggled in early season games in Miami.

 

[kface]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

a little from column A, a little from column B.

Yea I have Stevenson but even I am willing to admit that was probably based mostly on a hope that all things would land right. After week 1 it doesn't look great. I think the NE is going to struggle, they don't have a great oline and the split in carries for those spare yards is going to kill everyone. Week 1 however so i am still holding out hope...

I don’t think you can take much from Week 1. The Pats have always struggled in early season games in Miami.

That's why I hold but I am starting to think M. Jones is going to be a problem for them...

 

[Dr. Octopus]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

a little from column A, a little from column B.

Yea I have Stevenson but even I am willing to admit that was probably based mostly on a hope that all things would land right. After week 1 it doesn't look great. I think the NE is going to struggle, they don't have a great oline and the split in carries for those spare yards is going to kill everyone. Week 1 however so i am still holding out hope...

I don’t think you can take much from Week 1. The Pats have always struggled in early season games in Miami.

That's why I hold but I am starting to think M. Jones is going to be a problem for them...

Agree that Mac Jones isn’t very good.

 

[Banger]

Montgomery had the 3rd down role and was on for a number of snaps. He’s on IR and if NE is bad and is behind that means whoever gets those snaps will have more value.

The season is very long and we’ve had one week in the books. Stevenson is the most talented back on the roster and now Montgomery is out. I like Stevenson chances to improve his role and be a solid PPR guy.

 

[dipandglide]

I'm cautiously optimistic. The Pats offense is Harris/ Stevenson. Run the ball, control the clock, and like Mac make a few players to keep the chains moving.

 

[dipandglide]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

a little from column A, a little from column B.

Yea I have Stevenson but even I am willing to admit that was probably based mostly on a hope that all things would land right. After week 1 it doesn't look great. I think the NE is going to struggle, they don't have a great oline and the split in carries for those spare yards is going to kill everyone. Week 1 however so i am still holding out hope...

I don’t think you can take much from Week 1. The Pats have always struggled in early season games in Miami.

That's why I hold but I am starting to think M. Jones is going to be a problem for them...

Agree that Mac Jones isn’t very good.

I don't love him in fantasy. He's going to be a 7-15 year starter in the league. That gives him value in 2QB leagues.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

He's going to be a 7-15 year starter in the league. That

I’m not sure this is true.

 

[massraider]

Stevenson 62% (11/17 3rd/4th downs)
D. Harris 39% (3/3 snaps inside the 10)

 

[TampaMike19]

Stevenson 62% (11/17 3rd/4th downs)
D. Harris 39% (3/3 snaps inside the 10)

Is this a Stevenson is better for ppr harris better for standard? Harris looks better overall

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Any word on the severity of Harris' injury at the end of the game?

 

[Anarchy99]

Any word on the severity of Harris' injury at the end of the game?

Harris spoke to reporters after the game and declared himself fine.

 

[Banger]

Stevenson 62% (11/17 3rd/4th downs)
D. Harris 39% (3/3 snaps inside the 10)

not being a jerk but I don’t get the new emphasis on snap counts. I mean I get it of course but what correlation do snap counts have to fantasy success? I’ve seen all kind of snap counts last week for all kinds of underachieving players like it’s going to predict some kind of fantasy success. What matters is do they get you the ball when you are on the field and if they do what you do with the ball when you get it in your hands…whether you get 60% or 20. Bottom line, is that with 60 percent of the snaps he got 10 touches …1 catch for 4 yards and 47 rush yards…a pedestrian/decent day NFL wise but certainly not going to win you any fantasy games.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

a little from column A, a little from column B.

Yea I have Stevenson but even I am willing to admit that was probably based mostly on a hope that all things would land right. After week 1 it doesn't look great. I think the NE is going to struggle, they don't have a great oline and the split in carries for those spare yards is going to kill everyone. Week 1 however so i am still holding out hope...

I don’t think you can take much from Week 1. The Pats have always struggled in early season games in Miami.

That's why I hold but I am starting to think M. Jones is going to be a problem for them...

Agree that Mac Jones isn’t very good.

I don't love him in fantasy. He's going to be a 7-15 year starter in the league. That gives him value in 2QB leagues.

Looks more like a career backup to me, but obviously he has the chance to be what you say.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

but what correlation do snap counts have to fantasy success?

Is it better or worse for your player to be on the field?

 

[Apple Juice]

I know this is the Stevenson thread but I still don't understand the dismissal of Harris all off season. He was one of the highest graded RBs in the league but the narrative became that Stevenson looks so much better. I hope Harris gets to start for another team and get some of the recognition he's earned so far.

 

[Chaka]

Stevenson 62% (11/17 3rd/4th downs)
D. Harris 39% (3/3 snaps inside the 10)

not being a jerk but I don’t get the new emphasis on snap counts. I mean I get it of course but what correlation do snap counts have to fantasy success? I’ve seen all kind of snap counts last week for all kinds of underachieving players like it’s going to predict some kind of fantasy success. What matters is do they get you the ball when you are on the field and if they do what you do with the ball when you get it in your hands…whether you get 60% or 20. Bottom line, is that with 60 percent of the snaps he got 10 touches …1 catch for 4 yards and 47 rush yards…a pedestrian/decent day NFL wise but certainly not going to win you any fantasy games.

Snap counts are not a predictor of success. The again nothing is really a predictor of success.

But in all aspects of life, particularly games of incomplete information, chance favors the prepared mind.

Snap counts won't necessarily tell you who will touch the ball more but it does tell you who is a bigger part of the offensive scheme. Looking at RBs if you look at box scores or watch the game and the backup RB seems to be vulturing touches you could worry that the lead back is injured or being phased out of the offense. But snap counts will add a layer of information that may help you from making a panic move.

Let's look at Breece Hall & Michael Carter. I'm sure Hall fans are thrilled and Carter fans are worried today. But if you look at the snap counts you can see Carter was on the field for 43 snaps (61%), and Hall for 19 (27%). A logical conclusion is Carter was probably involved in more plays that could have gotten the ball to him but the play simply didn't break that way. Maybe Flacco audibles out of a run or Carter was in the pattern but was covered or Flacco had a better read. My takeaway is to add Carter to the "buy low" thread.

Over time you would expect the usage to favor the guy who is involved in more of the offensive packages.

If you track it over time it can help you decide if a player is starting to receive a bigger share of the offense and make a move to bail on or target that player. If I bought low on Carter and I see Hall's share go up over the next few weeks I can try to time a "sell high" after a big game.

It's imperfect for sure, it isn't predictive but, just like knowing how many hearts may be left in the deck before you bet on the turn, it does have analytical value that can be exploited. Over time it should give you a slight advantage.

 

[Anarchy99]

The understudy was supposed to Bill O’Brien. Except BOB would only commit to coming in for this year. O’Brien obviously prefers to be an NFL head coach than the OC at Alabama. After a year in NE, he would want a HC job (NFL or college).

What some people are leaving out in the equation is BB wants someone to run the existing system. They don’t want someone to come in and run their own system. BB wanted someone with experience in the NE system (which Patricia and Judge had some knowledge of).

They was a lengthy discussion on the radio the other day where whoever it was (Andy Callahan maybe?) mentioned that Patricia as an defensive coordinator knew offensive plays (especially NE offensive plays) as he schemed against them in practice for years.

What was holding him back is getting a grasp for the time involved to select a play, get it relayed to Jones, and have the offense all on the same page to get a play off on time.

And for now, BB is the one taking the most active role with the offense. The offense is clearly a work in progress, and if they don’t look better after September, then things will be more messed up than I think they are.

We can also monitor how McDaniels does with the Raiders. I don’t think he’ll make a great head coach, but we have to give him a chance as well.

Thanks for that.

I'm a Raider fan and have no idea what to expect from McDaniels the HC, I am cautiously optimistic but that it.

One thing about McDaniels the OC is that he has a feel for how to attack defenses. I don't know who did what behind closed doors but, for years the Pats have had a reputation of really changing up their offensive scheme depending on the opponent. They would come at a team any of 100 different ways and you never knew from week to week. I have to think McDaniels had a significant voice in what the weekly approach should be, how to coach the guys up to execute and how/when to call the offense on Sundays to make it effective. I don't care how well you know the offensive plays, the level of understanding and general feel for the offense McDaniels had isn't easily replaced. Personally I don't think Patricia and/or Judge have given any reason to believe they can do it.

IMO, McDaniels has always been a bit overhyped. The core of the NE offense was already installed (and they won 3 titles) before he took over as OC. Randy Moss then stepped in and took the playbook to another level by adding in real time read and react options for the receivers. In the three years McDaniels was gone, Bill O'Brien took over and installed the two TE set with Gronk and Hernandez. After McDaniels fizzled in DEN and STL, he returned to NE and inherited a well-oiled machine. The Pats were coming off back-to-back 500-point scoring seasons (and a SB loss). They had a huge scoring season in his first year back, but the offense dropped by 113 points the following year (and they never came close to 500 points again in 9 seasons with JMD). Even though the Pats kept winning with TB and BB, the offense wasn't nearly as potent. Winning is winning, so not scoring as many points probably isn't that big a deal. The defense still was top notch, so it didn't matter.

In his time in DEN, STL, and now LV, none of those teams have had great defenses, and the Broncos and Rams didn't do a ton offensively. Clearly not a great combination. The verdict is still out on the Raiders, but I think McDaniels is a good but not great coordinator and probably not a great HC. But we'll see how he does moving forward after his less than stellar stint with DEN.

As I already mentioned, O'Brien coming back would have been the best option for Jones and the Patriots offense, but BOB doesn't really want to just be an OC. So, BB decided it made more sense to see whether he could make something out of Patricia, Judge, or Nick Caley than having to go through the process of searching for an OC again in 2023.

BB will suggest that a good coach is a good coach, and he bounced around across offense, defense, and special teams early in his career and things turned out fine. Bill had McDaniels start as a defensive coach and then made him a QB Coach with no experience and he became OC two years later. I know to most people making Patricia an offensive coach sounds insane, but crazier things have happened.

 

[Anarchy99]

I know this is the Stevenson thread but I still don't understand the dismissal of Harris all off season. He was one of the highest graded RBs in the league but the narrative became that Stevenson looks so much better. I hope Harris gets to start for another team and get some of the recognition he's earned so far.

Generally speaking, players that BB wants to keep he usually signs to extensions before the last year of a player's contract. He also has shown that he will start giving other guys that are returning the following year more work. It's doubtful NE will offer Harris a big contract, so there is a chance that as the season progresses RS will see more work based on that. However, I think Harris has had some trouble staying healthy, and all it will take is for Harris to miss some time for the tables to turn with RS having a bigger share of the workload than Harris. For now, Harris has been getting more carries. We'll have to wait and see if that changes, but neither guy is likely to take on a much bigger role as long as the other RB is healthy. We may end up with each guy alternating series to keep both guys fresh throughout the game.

The good news from yesterday was the OL played better, they averaged 4 yards a carry running the ball, and Mac wasn't sacked and only saw pressure on one play. They can work on some other ways to make the offense more productive if the line play is solid.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Baltimore at home and then they travel to Green Bay in Weeks 3 and 4, I could see a split and then they have a soft schedule for 5 weeks...

DET
@Cle
CHI
@NYJets
INDY

Then they have a Bye week, they should be very competitive over that span. 5-3 going into the Bye week in a stacked AFC East so far this year, those things matter when we are talking about the Harris/RS combo.

I wish I had started Harris like I wanted to over Chase Edmonds this past weekend, lucky I'll still manage to win but I see Harris being my Mitchell replacement for a while. I hope he stays healthy and New England keeps playing a boring style of offense. I can see the starting NE RB, whichever one as a potential double digit weekly position.

 

[Faust]

Rhamondre Stevenson led the Patriots backfield with 62% of snaps against the Steelers.​

Damien Harris out-carried Stevenson 15-to-9 and matched him with two targets. Harris also played ahead of Stevenson at the goal line. Still, the snaps were a silver lining for Stevenson, indicating that he could have bigger days ahead. Stevenson's upside as a receiver, in particular, is notable; he ran 23 routes to just nine for Harris. With No. 3 RB Pierre Strong seeing just three snaps, both Harris and Stevenson look like RB2 options against the Ravens in Week 3.
RELATED:

• Damien Harris

Sep 19, 2022, 12:54 PM ET

 

[RenegadeRoy]

Rhamondre threw a lot of good blocks yesterday. I wonder if his pass-pro is being used to shore up their weaker o-line. So take the snap #s with that grain of salt as well.

 

[Anarchy99]

Rhamondre threw a lot of good blocks yesterday. I wonder if his pass-pro is being used to shore up their weaker o-line. So take the snap #s with that grain of salt as well.

NE made a more concerted effort to get the ball further down the field this week compared to last week. RS blocked and slipped out and was open any number of times, but Mac opted to go for more vertical options. If Stevenson keeps picking up blitzers and getting open after, he'll see his fair share of dump offs. And against teams that blitz, he will likely see screens that he could rip off huge gainers. The NE offense is certainly a work in progress, but there's some potential for occasional big plays (even if they don't have Hill and Waddle types offensively).

 

[dipandglide]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

a little from column A, a little from column B.

Yea I have Stevenson but even I am willing to admit that was probably based mostly on a hope that all things would land right. After week 1 it doesn't look great. I think the NE is going to struggle, they don't have a great oline and the split in carries for those spare yards is going to kill everyone. Week 1 however so i am still holding out hope...

I don’t think you can take much from Week 1. The Pats have always struggled in early season games in Miami.

That's why I hold but I am starting to think M. Jones is going to be a problem for them...

Agree that Mac Jones isn’t very good.

I don't love him in fantasy. He's going to be a 7-15 year starter in the league. That gives him value in 2QB leagues.

Looks more like a career backup to me, but obviously he has the chance to be what you say.

Fair. I'd be surprised if NE resigns Harris and Rhamondre isn't the 1a next year. All he does is produce when given an opportunity

 

[Dr. Octopus]

guys you could have avoided the talk of RS by simply not drafting him to begin with. I don't get it. so many ppl advised you all against taking a NE RB.any of them. it's like a moth to a flame you just can't help yourselves. he is a must drop player at this point. Mattison will out-gain RS every week , go grab Mattion because he's a top 5 RB when Cook re=injures his shoulder.

Not sure if this is trolling or just a bad take.

a little from column A, a little from column B.

Yea I have Stevenson but even I am willing to admit that was probably based mostly on a hope that all things would land right. After week 1 it doesn't look great. I think the NE is going to struggle, they don't have a great oline and the split in carries for those spare yards is going to kill everyone. Week 1 however so i am still holding out hope...

I don’t think you can take much from Week 1. The Pats have always struggled in early season games in Miami.

That's why I hold but I am starting to think M. Jones is going to be a problem for them...

Agree that Mac Jones isn’t very good.

I don't love him in fantasy. He's going to be a 7-15 year starter in the league. That gives him value in 2QB leagues.

Looks more like a career backup to me, but obviously he has the chance to be what you say.

Fair. I'd be surprised if NE resigns Harris and Rhamondre isn't the 1a next year. All he does is produce when given an opportunity

I was talking about Mac Jones not Stevenson.

 

[themeistersinger]

Sigmund Bloom seems to be a contrarian on Stevenson/Harris. From this week's upgrade/downgrade report

Week 3 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

www.footballguys.com

Upgrade:
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE - Stevenson actually took a back seat to Damien Harris in the win over the Steelers in touches, but Harris went down with a knee injury of unspecified severity. Stevenson also got more snaps and routes run than Harris. Expect Stevenson to get the start vs. Baltimore this week assuming Harris is out and possibly beyond pending the severity of Harris injury.

Downgrade:
RB Damien Harris, NE - Harris looked good against the Steelers, and got the most touches, including goal-line work, but hurt his knee on the game-clinching run. We await more details, but he's at best questionable for Week 3 vs. Baltimore.