RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (3 Viewers)

[Ministry of Pain]

Here's what Paul Perillo had to say the other day about the NE backfield in a Patriots.com mail segment.

Q: With losing Damien Harris to the Bills and cutting James Robinson, do you see the Pats making any other additions at RB through FA/Trade or have Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong shown that they are ready to pick up the slack and give Rhamondre Stevenson breaks here and there? Do you think the release of James Robinson has to do with health concerns, or do you think it shows a gesture of faith of the personnel? I have constantly heard positive things about Ty Montgomery. I also feel Strong and Harris each offer upside in certain areas. What do you think of the depth behind Stevenson? Do we need another back to take meaningful snaps?

A: I would add Ty Montgomery to this equation as well, but in regard specifically to Harris and Strong I do believe they're ready to take on bigger roles. Harris appears to have shed a few pounds and looks a bit quicker as a result. He should provide a solid option between the tackles behind Stevenson. Strong can fly and caught a ton of passes during the spring. It's possible that he could be ready to be used in that kind of role, along with Montgomery. Robinson's release was definitely related to his health, but I do believe a gesture of faith toward the existing personnel is warranted. Overall, I feel there is some depth in the backfield but injuries often hit that position and it is an area to keep an eye on moving forward.

if Stevenson gets hurt they are in big trouble.

With RS the Patriots still might be in big trouble this year, not hearing many talk them up as the run away winner of the East, but it's early

 

[Deamon]

Here's what Paul Perillo had to say the other day about the NE backfield in a Patriots.com mail segment.

Q: With losing Damien Harris to the Bills and cutting James Robinson, do you see the Pats making any other additions at RB through FA/Trade or have Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong shown that they are ready to pick up the slack and give Rhamondre Stevenson breaks here and there? Do you think the release of James Robinson has to do with health concerns, or do you think it shows a gesture of faith of the personnel? I have constantly heard positive things about Ty Montgomery. I also feel Strong and Harris each offer upside in certain areas. What do you think of the depth behind Stevenson? Do we need another back to take meaningful snaps?

A: I would add Ty Montgomery to this equation as well, but in regard specifically to Harris and Strong I do believe they're ready to take on bigger roles. Harris appears to have shed a few pounds and looks a bit quicker as a result. He should provide a solid option between the tackles behind Stevenson. Strong can fly and caught a ton of passes during the spring. It's possible that he could be ready to be used in that kind of role, along with Montgomery. Robinson's release was definitely related to his health, but I do believe a gesture of faith toward the existing personnel is warranted. Overall, I feel there is some depth in the backfield but injuries often hit that position and it is an area to keep an eye on moving forward.

if Stevenson gets hurt they are in big trouble.

With RS the Patriots still might be in big trouble this year, not hearing many talk them up as the run away winner of the East, but it's early

wut

 

[Boston]

Here's what Paul Perillo had to say the other day about the NE backfield in a Patriots.com mail segment.

Q: With losing Damien Harris to the Bills and cutting James Robinson, do you see the Pats making any other additions at RB through FA/Trade or have Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong shown that they are ready to pick up the slack and give Rhamondre Stevenson breaks here and there? Do you think the release of James Robinson has to do with health concerns, or do you think it shows a gesture of faith of the personnel? I have constantly heard positive things about Ty Montgomery. I also feel Strong and Harris each offer upside in certain areas. What do you think of the depth behind Stevenson? Do we need another back to take meaningful snaps?

A: I would add Ty Montgomery to this equation as well, but in regard specifically to Harris and Strong I do believe they're ready to take on bigger roles. Harris appears to have shed a few pounds and looks a bit quicker as a result. He should provide a solid option between the tackles behind Stevenson. Strong can fly and caught a ton of passes during the spring. It's possible that he could be ready to be used in that kind of role, along with Montgomery. Robinson's release was definitely related to his health, but I do believe a gesture of faith toward the existing personnel is warranted. Overall, I feel there is some depth in the backfield but injuries often hit that position and it is an area to keep an eye on moving forward.

if Stevenson gets hurt they are in big trouble.

With RS the Patriots still might be in big trouble this year, not hearing many talk them up as the run away winner of the East, but it's early

I don't think anyone is...would most say they have a better chance finishing last than first as on paper as the Division is as good as it has been in the BB era...and their schedule is a tough one.

 

[Anarchy99]

I don't think anyone is...would most say they have a better chance finishing last than first as on paper as the Division is as good as it has been in the BB era...and their schedule is a tough one.

That last part really shouldn't matter as far as the division goes. Everyone in the division shares 14 similar opponents. The games that are different for each team this season are:

BUF - TBB, CIN, JAX
MIA - CAR, BAL, TEN
NYJ - ATL, CLE, HOU
NEP - NOS, PIT, IND

They all play KCC, DEN, LVR, LAC, PHI, DAL, NYG, and WAS.

 

[Boston]

I don't think anyone is...would most say they have a better chance finishing last than first as on paper as the Division is as good as it has been in the BB era...and their schedule is a tough one.

That last part really shouldn't matter as far as the division goes. Everyone in the division shares 14 similar opponents. The games that are different for each team this season are:

BUF - TBB, CIN, JAX
MIA - CAR, BAL, TEN
NYJ - ATL, CLE, HOU
NEP - NOS, PIT, IND

They all play KCC, DEN, LVR, LAC, PHI, DAL, NYG, and WAS.h

It does matter because on paper they are not as talented as the other three teams in their Division and a team like Buffalo gets the Pats twice while the Pats get Buffalo twice…bottom line is they have a tough schedule that may be too much for them in their current state although I do know you think far more of them than I do so you probably see that differently.

 

[Faust]

James White says Patriots' Bill Belichick 'loves' Rhamondre Stevenson, sees great opportunity for RB in 2023

 

[Anarchy99]

James White says Patriots' Bill Belichick 'loves' Rhamondre Stevenson, sees great opportunity for RB in 2023

Yet the body of the article leans a different direction.

A former Patriot believes, however, that it might not be as one-sided as it appears. "It almost reminds me of before I got to the Patriots when they had Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen [in the early 2010s], and Danny Woodhead, Kevin Faulk and others were gone," former Patriots runner James White said. "Back then it was like, 'This is your backfield now.' I feel like that's the transition there now."

Judging by the difference in distribution between 2012 and 2013, White might be onto something. The Patriots could be holding out hope that one of their younger backs is ready to take on a larger role, especially in sub packages on passing downs. With pass-catching experience gained from his days spent as a receiver, Montgomery could fill a need on passing downs in 2023, even at 30 years old. The same could be said about Pierre Strong and J,J, Taylor, though neither has a significant history of catching passes in the NFL.

"I see a bunch of talented young guys and then a savvy veteran in Ty, if he can stay healthy, to kind of lead those guys along," White said. "Being around him a little bit last year, in OTAs and training camp, (Ty is) a guy who feels like he is still trying to prove himself and feels he has a lot left in the tank … he just hasn't quite had a true opportunity.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

James White says Patriots' Bill Belichick 'loves' Rhamondre Stevenson, sees great opportunity for RB in 2023

"I see a bunch of talented young guys and then a savvy veteran in Ty, if he can stay healthy, to kind of lead those guys along," White said. "Being around him a little bit last year, in OTAs and training camp, (Ty is) a guy who feels like he is still trying to prove himself and feels he has a lot left in the tank … he just hasn't quite had a true opportunity.

Well actually he had a true opportunity last year and he got hurt.

 

[BobbyLayne]

James White says Patriots' Bill Belichick 'loves' Rhamondre Stevenson, sees great opportunity for RB in 2023

"I see a bunch of talented young guys and then a savvy veteran in Ty, if he can stay healthy, to kind of lead those guys along," White said. "Being around him a little bit last year, in OTAs and training camp, (Ty is) a guy who feels like he is still trying to prove himself and feels he has a lot left in the tank … he just hasn't quite had a true opportunity.

Well actually he had a true opportunity last year and he got hurt.

Looking over the last four years, Ty Montgomery's high in rushing is 103 yards. Not in a game....his best rushing season 2019-22. His best receiving season during that span? 16-95-0 on 26 targets. Entering year 9, age 30 season, seems like a coin flip to make the team.

Kevin Harris had 18 touches (0 targets) in his rookie year. Pierre Strong had 17 touches - and TBF, looked great. He had tremendous production at South Dakota State, and he's a decent receiver, I could see him carving out a role for himself.

But on the whole Stevenson seems looks like the most bust proof back available at his ADP. He only had 5 subpar games last year in which he was outside RB24.

Top Ten - RBs with the lowest Subpar game %:

1. CMC 11.76%
2. Ekeler 11.76%
3. Hall* 14.29%
4. Henry 25.00%
5. Barkley 25.00%
6. Stevenson 29.41%
7. Walker 33.33%
8. Chubb 35.29%
9. Jacobs 35.29%
10. Mixon 35.71%
11. Taylor** 36.36%
12. Pollard 37.50%

*played 7 G
**played 11 G

(MIxon 14 G, KWIII 15 G, the other 8 played at least 16 G)

I'm in.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Plus Matt Patricia is no longer there.

 

[RIP Rotoworld]

It just never seems like anyone takes over this backfield for more than a year. I'm a Dre owner and I can't shake the instinct that last year was a peak of sorts. I also feel like I saw some games where he was overstuffed as a pass catcher bc they just wouldn't throw downfield, and I can't see that recurring. I'm sure his catches won't vanish or close, but I can see a world in where he's not quite the same level of PPR beast this year.

 

[ratbast]

Working Strong and Harris into the game would probably keep RS healthier. I’m all for that. This is a marathon not a sprint!

 

[The Finist]

Patriots new betting favorite to land Dalvin Cook right now per Draftkings.

• New England Patriots +150
• Miami Dolphins +200
• New York Jets +400
• Denver Broncos +1200
• Dallas Cowboys +1500
• Buffalo Bills +1500
• Washington Commanders +1500
• Chicago Bears +1800
• New York Giants +2000
• Las Vegas Raiders +2000

 

[TripItUp]

Working Strong and Harris into the game would probably keep RS healthier. I’m all for that. This is a marathon not a sprint!

Harris?

 

[RenegadeRoy]

Working Strong and Harris into the game would probably keep RS healthier. I’m all for that. This is a marathon not a sprint!

Harris?

Kevin Harris

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Working Strong and Harris into the game would probably keep RS healthier. I’m all for that. This is a marathon not a sprint!

Harris?

Kevin - was a rookie last season. Played a bit at end of season.

 

[TripItUp]

Working Strong and Harris into the game would probably keep RS healthier. I’m all for that. This is a marathon not a sprint!

Harris?

Kevin - was a rookie last season. Played a bit at end of season.

gotcha, forgot about him

 

[FantasyMC]

Got an alert saying Patriots are the betting favorites now to sign Dalvin Cook.

 

[DeaLerZ]

Got an alert saying Patriots are the betting favorites now to sign Dalvin Cook.

So run with two backs, throw to TE's, and play great defense. Sounds like a Belichick move. Not great fantasy news

 

[efactor]

Got an alert saying Patriots are the betting favorites now to sign Dalvin Cook.

So run with two backs, throw to TE's, and play great defense. Sounds like a Belichick move. Not great fantasy news

Yeah. Actually looks like their best move for this season. Jones and their group of WRs is way below average, and their division is stacked. With Hopkins gone, no other WR who would make a difference.

 

[Anarchy99]

If anyone cares, there were 7 games last year where Damien Harris was healthy enough to play more than 15 snaps in a game. In those 7 games:

Stevenson averaged 35 snaps, 10 carries, and 3.5 receptions.
Harris averaged 28 snaps, 12 carries, and 1.9 receptions.

Maybe it means something, maybe it doesn't. Just thought I'd bring it up with NE said to be looking at adding Cook or Fournette.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

If anyone cares, there were 7 games last year where Damien Harris was healthy enough to play more than 15 snaps in a game. In those 7 games:

Stevenson averaged 35 snaps, 10 carries, and 3.5 receptions.
Harris averaged 28 snaps, 12 carries, and 1.9 receptions.

Maybe it means something, maybe it doesn't. Just thought I'd bring it up with NE said to be looking at adding Cook or Fournette.

It’s a small sample size so not that meaningful but probably not meaningless either. If the Pats went out and added Cook, it would obviously take volume away from Stevenson - part of the allure is the lack of competition in NE. I’d much prefer Fournette signing if looking at it from Stevenson’s fantasy value perspective, but that would still give him more competition of course.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

If anyone cares, there were 7 games last year where Damien Harris was healthy enough to play more than 15 snaps in a game. In those 7 games:

Stevenson averaged 35 snaps, 10 carries, and 3.5 receptions.
Harris averaged 28 snaps, 12 carries, and 1.9 receptions.

Maybe it means something, maybe it doesn't. Just thought I'd bring it up with NE said to be looking at adding Cook or Fournette.

It’s not crazy to think BB wants to spread the load across multiple RBs. He’s been doing that for a long time.

 

[travdogg]

Here's hoping its Darrell Henderson added to the mix.

 

[Dez]

Zeke making a visit ?

 

[Boston]

Zeke making a visit ?

Not surprising…doing their due diligence on what’s available…Strong, Harris and Montgomery are all question marks…if they are not sold on them they will need to bring in someone else…IMO this is not about Stevenson although it could have some effect on him depending on who eventually ends up in those roles.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Honestly don’t tbink it matters outside of Cook.

They’ll need to bring someone in for depth regardless.

Henderson, Zeke, Hunt don’t really move the needle and would just be added to the “other” pile behind RS.

Cook could challenge for RS touches on name brand and price. Honestly don’t see the Pats coughing up $9M for a semi-washed Cook. It’s just so not the Pats style.

 

[Dez]

Honestly don’t tbink it matters outside of Cook.

They’ll need to bring someone in for depth regardless.

Henderson, Zeke, Hunt don’t really move the needle and would just be added to the “other” pile behind RS.

Cook could challenge for RS touches on name brand and price. Honestly don’t see the Pats coughing up $9M for a semi-washed Cook. It’s just so not the Pats style.

Zeke going to take a lot of goal line touches away just like he did from Pollard.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Honestly don’t tbink it matters outside of Cook.

They’ll need to bring someone in for depth regardless.

Henderson, Zeke, Hunt don’t really move the needle and would just be added to the “other” pile behind RS.

Cook could challenge for RS touches on name brand and price. Honestly don’t see the Pats coughing up $9M for a semi-washed Cook. It’s just so not the Pats style.

Zeke going to take a lot of goal line touches away just like he did from Pollard.

I’m skeptical.

He hasn’t signed there yet, and I don’t think he has a lot left in the tank regardless.

I’d see it as about equal to Harris in terms of a hit to RS production. Plus Zeke tends to get banged up a lot - I’m not sure his knee will ever be right.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Just heard on the radio that Zeke left without a contract, but “the two sides will stay in touch”

I really don’t see Ezekiel Elliott vibing with the patriots. He’s kind of a polarizing dude.

I guess we will see what happens.

 

[King of the Jungle]

They like running multiple backs. I think if they do not bring another body in it is a sign the young guys are up to par. I would be shocked if they did not though and I think it ends up being more of a split compared to last year. BB’s MO has historically been to keep guys fresh at that position and Rham got a lot of run last year.

 

[rockaction]

Plus Zeke tends to get banged up a lot - I’m not sure his knee will ever be right.

Aside from a direct smack to his knee last year where the guy dove at him full force, Zeke hasn't been injured almost at all in his career. He's missed games due to suspension, but one knock on him is not durability.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Plus Zeke tends to get banged up a lot - I’m not sure his knee will ever be right.

Aside from a direct smack to his knee last year where the guy dove at him full force, Zeke hasn't been injured almost at all in his career. He's missed games due to suspension, but one knock on him is not durability.

I guess that’s fair. Let me rephrase - he hasn’t looked like the same runner since he hurt his knee.

 

[Kevrunner]

Honestly don’t tbink it matters outside of Cook.

They’ll need to bring someone in for depth regardless.

Henderson, Zeke, Hunt don’t really move the needle and would just be added to the “other” pile behind RS.

Cook could challenge for RS touches on name brand and price. Honestly don’t see the Pats coughing up $9M for a semi-washed Cook. It’s just so not the Pats style.

This is how I see it also. For me, when the Patriots didn’t draft any of the rookie RBs, that was huge for Stevenson. The Patriots had a lot of picks, 12 to be exact, and didn’t invest in RBs at all. It was nice seeing the top RBs go to other teams, I was really sweating up until when the Bears took Roschon Johnson, I thought for sure that the Patriots would snatch him up. Still can’t believe the Patriots took a kicker at pick #112 and let the Bears get Roschon Johnson just 3 picks later at pick #115. Just need to keep Dalvin Cook away now.

 

[menobrown]

Just heard on the radio that Zeke left without a contract, but “the two sides will stay in touch”

I really don’t see Ezekiel Elliott vibing with the patriots. He’s kind of a polarizing dude.

I guess we will see what happens.

He was spotted eating dinner with Mac Jones tonight.

 

[Snoopy]

Just heard on the radio that Zeke left without a contract, but “the two sides will stay in touch”

I really don’t see Ezekiel Elliott vibing with the patriots. He’s kind of a polarizing dude.

I guess we will see what happens.

He was spotted eating dinner with Mac Jones tonight.

Were they eating mac and cheese?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Just heard on the radio that Zeke left without a contract, but “the two sides will stay in touch”

I really don’t see Ezekiel Elliott vibing with the patriots. He’s kind of a polarizing dude.

I guess we will see what happens.

He was spotted eating dinner with Mac Jones tonight.

Were they eating mac and cheese?

I imagine something with a spoon and bowl. I mean, that seems to be Zeke’s preferred style

 

[menobrown]

Just heard on the radio that Zeke left without a contract, but “the two sides will stay in touch”

I really don’t see Ezekiel Elliott vibing with the patriots. He’s kind of a polarizing dude.

I guess we will see what happens.

He was spotted eating dinner with Mac Jones tonight.

Were they eating mac and cheese?

If you asked that question in my house the response would be "your mama" but that would probably get me banned around here so I'll leave you with the pic of them in the restaurant: https://twitter.com/BabzOnTheMic/status/1685444618245005312

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

https://twitter.com/BabzOnTheMic/status/1685444618245005312

this kinda looks like Zeke is about to turn out Mac on the streets for a tidy profit.

 

[Keith1]

https://twitter.com/BabzOnTheMic/status/1685444618245005312

this kinda looks like Zeke is about to turn out Mac on the streets for a tidy profit.

LMAO. Was thinking along those lines when I see them sitting NEXT TO EACH OTHER, with no one on the other side of the table.

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

Zeke signing with the Pats.

 

[Savatage79]

Goodnight sweet prince

 

[TripItUp]

I have it as a slight ding to Rhamondre...still value in the third round IMHO.

 

[Lansdowne]

Goodnight sweet prince

Yeah, no. This is a good thing for RS. Zeke is there to spell RS not to threaten his role. It’s not going to be an even split or anywhere close to it. You’ll be thankful when RS is still fresh as a daisy late in the season this time around.

 

[Savatage79]

Goodnight sweet prince

Yeah, no. This is a good thing for RS. Zeke is there to spell RS not to threaten his role. It’s not going to be an even split or anywhere close to it. You’ll be thankful when RS is still fresh as a daisy late in the season this time around.

Yea I was just messing, but I still feel it's never that simple especially with pats backfield... Stevenson just for some reason forever gets shafted in that department, I'm not saying zeke will take the job or anything but I could see a Blount situation easily here

 

[Faust]

Evan Lazar
Expanded on this here but the biggest reason they signed Zeke, to me, is so that Elliott can cut into Rhamondre's early-down workload, allowing Stevenson to continue playing in the passing game.

Rhamondre has great chemistry with Mac. He's the #Patriots best pass-catching RB.

https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/1691195284754247680?s=21

 

[Lansdowne]

Goodnight sweet prince

Yeah, no. This is a good thing for RS. Zeke is there to spell RS not to threaten his role. It’s not going to be an even split or anywhere close to it. You’ll be thankful when RS is still fresh as a daisy late in the season this time around.

Yea I was just messing, but I still feel it's never that simple especially with pats backfield... Stevenson just for some reason forever gets shafted in that department, I'm not saying zeke will take the job or anything but I could see a Blount situation easily here

The one damper could be at the goal line if Zeke ends up taking that role for himself. Stevenson only had 5 rushing TD last year, which I can say is a bit of a miracle given how much of a mess that offense was. But it also begs to question how improved the offense will be this season and will there be enough red zone opportunities for both guys. I see it as a plus in some regards and a negative in others, but mostly a plus. If Zeke pulls a Jamaal Williams circa 2022 then it could be an annoyance for Stevenson owners. Strong and Harris didn’t pose that sort of threat.

 

[Savatage79]

Goodnight sweet prince

Yeah, no. This is a good thing for RS. Zeke is there to spell RS not to threaten his role. It’s not going to be an even split or anywhere close to it. You’ll be thankful when RS is still fresh as a daisy late in the season this time around.

Yea I was just messing, but I still feel it's never that simple especially with pats backfield... Stevenson just for some reason forever gets shafted in that department, I'm not saying zeke will take the job or anything but I could see a Blount situation easily here

The one damper could be at the goal line if Zeke ends up taking that role for himself. Stevenson only had 5 rushing TD last year, which I can say is a bit of a miracle given how much of a mess that offense was. But it also begs to question how improved the offense will be this season and will there be enough red zone opportunities for both guys. I see it as a plus in some regards and a negative in others, but mostly a plus. If Zeke pulls a Jamaal Williams circa 2022 then it could be an annoyance for Stevenson owners. Strong and Harris didn’t pose that sort of threat.

Pats just never seem content with any single back is my issue, it's like it was to good to be true that stevenson was going in unscathed by signings

 

[Lansdowne]

Goodnight sweet prince

Yeah, no. This is a good thing for RS. Zeke is there to spell RS not to threaten his role. It’s not going to be an even split or anywhere close to it. You’ll be thankful when RS is still fresh as a daisy late in the season this time around.

Yea I was just messing, but I still feel it's never that simple especially with pats backfield... Stevenson just for some reason forever gets shafted in that department, I'm not saying zeke will take the job or anything but I could see a Blount situation easily here

The one damper could be at the goal line if Zeke ends up taking that role for himself. Stevenson only had 5 rushing TD last year, which I can say is a bit of a miracle given how much of a mess that offense was. But it also begs to question how improved the offense will be this season and will there be enough red zone opportunities for both guys. I see it as a plus in some regards and a negative in others, but mostly a plus. If Zeke pulls a Jamaal Williams circa 2022 then it could be an annoyance for Stevenson owners. Strong and Harris didn’t pose that sort of threat.

Pats just never seem content with any single back is my issue, it's like it was to good to be true that stevenson was going in unscathed by signings

Yeah the Curtis Martin/Corey Dillon days are long gone it seems. On the plus side it means Stevenson will be on the field more for passing downs rather than ceding that to Ty Montgomery or Pierre Strong.

 

[menobrown]

This is key info and actually has a lot of things similar to Walker/Charbs: https://twitter.com/ChadGraff/status/1691190363388571648