RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (6 Viewers)

[SeniorVBDStudent]

It will be interesting to see how this plays out, but I see Zeke getting all the goalline work.

 

[TripItUp]

It will be interesting to see how this plays out, but I see Zeke getting all the goalline work.

He's definitely getting some of it...how much is the million dollar question.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

It will be interesting to see how this plays out, but I see Zeke getting all the goalline work.

I do as well, but I’m not moving Stevenson down my draft board at all.

 

[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

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.

Yea and the only thing close was when Blount was there, he was fairly stable but really everyone else has been so hit or miss. Just sucks because I thought stevenson was gonna actually get in as the one and only

 

[fuzzy_dunlop]

Yeah the Curtis Martin/Corey Dillon days are long gone it seems.

For the league not just the Pats.

 

[travdogg]

Zeke signing just means Stevenson is more likely to fall to me, maybe he'll make it to round 4?

I hate using the term washed, more often than not, when people use it, they just mean not as good as they once were. With that said, I think Zeke is washed. He can do goal line and pass blocking (when not playing Center) and he's a liability everywhere else. If NE had to add a RB, Zeke is the least threating one, less than Cook, less than Hunt, less than Fournette, and less threatening than keeping Harris would have been.

I'm still taking Stevenson over guys like Najee, Gibbs, and A. Jones. Maybe this knocks him below Breece Hall (assuming they don't also add a veteran RB) but I'm not seeing a big hit here at all.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Zeke signing just means Stevenson is more likely to fall to me, maybe he'll make it to round 4?

I hate using the term washed, more often than not, when people use it, they just mean not as good as they once were. With that said, I think Zeke is washed. He can do goal line and pass blocking (when not playing Center) and he's a liability everywhere else. If NE had to add a RB, Zeke is the least threating one, less than Cook, less than Hunt, less than Fournette, and less threatening than keeping Harris would have been.

I'm still taking Stevenson over guys like Najee, Gibbs, and A. Jones. Maybe this knocks him below Breece Hall (assuming they don't also add a veteran RB) but I'm not seeing a big hit here at all.

i was just coming to post something similar. The more I think about it the more I like it.

RS could be a 100 reception RB this year. (Could - not a prediction or a flag)

 

[Anarchy99]

Zeke signing just means Stevenson is more likely to fall to me, maybe he'll make it to round 4?

I hate using the term washed, more often than not, when people use it, they just mean not as good as they once were. With that said, I think Zeke is washed. He can do goal line and pass blocking (when not playing Center) and he's a liability everywhere else. If NE had to add a RB, Zeke is the least threating one, less than Cook, less than Hunt, less than Fournette, and less threatening than keeping Harris would have been.

I'm still taking Stevenson over guys like Najee, Gibbs, and A. Jones. Maybe this knocks him below Breece Hall (assuming they don't also add a veteran RB) but I'm not seeing a big hit here at all.

i was just coming to post something similar. The more I think about it the more I like it.

RS could be a 100 reception RB this year. (Could - not a prediction or a flag)

Look, people are going to take the Zeke news and twist and contort it to fit their narrative.

Team leader in receptions by a RB with Bill O'Brien attached to the offense:

2007 - Kevin Faulk - 47
2008 - Kevin Faulk - 58
2009 - Kevin Faulk - 37
2010 - Danny Woodhead - 34
2011 - Danny Woodhead - 18
2014 - Arian Foster - 38
2015 - Jonathan Grimes - 26
2016 - Lamar Miller - 31
2017 - Lamar Miller - 36
2018 - Lamar Miller - 25
2019 - Duke Johnson - 44
2020 - David Johnson - 33

I don't see that list and get warm and fuzzy that Stevenson will sniff 100 receptions.

I also don't quite understand how Elliott taking away carries and goal line looks can be viewed as a good thing for Stevenson. IMO, this furthers my perspective that Stevenson's production will be lower than last year. Shave off 20 receptions and a few carries, and he would be in the RB15 range. FantasyPros has his ADP at RB9 and 24th overall.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I don't see that list and get warm and fuzzy that Stevenson will sniff 100 receptions.

 

[TVT 0 N S T A]

I can't really tell who's in a worse position, Stevenson or Hall. I think Zeke will get 100% of the GL work. He rarely, if ever, gets less than 2 yards a carry. As a Cowboys fan, I can't remember him getting negative yards. Additionally, he is never injured to the point of being sidelined.

Breece Hall has Dalvin Cook and I don't remember the last time he was healthy for a full season (last year but his usage was down). Hall is more explosive than Stevenson but Dalvin Cook is better than Zeke, but more susceptible to injury.

In the interim, I'm buying everything I can of Achane because he's going to be a PPR monster.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I can't really tell who's in a worse position, Stevenson or Hall. I think Zeke will get 100% of the GL work. He rarely, if ever, gets less than 2 yards a carry. As a Cowboys fan, I can't remember him getting negative yards. Additionally, he is never injured to the point of being sidelined.

Breece Hall has Dalvin Cook and I don't remember the last time he was healthy for a full season (last year but his usage was down). Hall is more explosive than Stevenson but Dalvin Cook is better than Zeke, but more susceptible to injury.

In the interim, I'm buying everything I can of Achane because he's going to be a PPR monster.

I think until we know more it’s a lot of mountains being made of molehills.

Cook seems like the worse backfield-mate to me.

I think RS will be a FF monster.

 

[Lansdowne]

Zeke signing just means Stevenson is more likely to fall to me, maybe he'll make it to round 4?

I hate using the term washed, more often than not, when people use it, they just mean not as good as they once were. With that said, I think Zeke is washed. He can do goal line and pass blocking (when not playing Center) and he's a liability everywhere else. If NE had to add a RB, Zeke is the least threating one, less than Cook, less than Hunt, less than Fournette, and less threatening than keeping Harris would have been.

I'm still taking Stevenson over guys like Najee, Gibbs, and A. Jones. Maybe this knocks him below Breece Hall (assuming they don't also add a veteran RB) but I'm not seeing a big hit here at all.

i was just coming to post something similar. The more I think about it the more I like it.

RS could be a 100 reception RB this year. (Could - not a prediction or a flag)

Look, people are going to take the Zeke news and twist and contort it to fit their narrative.

Team leader in receptions by a RB with Bill O'Brien attached to the offense:

2007 - Kevin Faulk - 47
2008 - Kevin Faulk - 58
2009 - Kevin Faulk - 37
2010 - Danny Woodhead - 34
2011 - Danny Woodhead - 18
2014 - Arian Foster - 38
2015 - Jonathan Grimes - 26
2016 - Lamar Miller - 31
2017 - Lamar Miller - 36
2018 - Lamar Miller - 25
2019 - Duke Johnson - 44
2020 - David Johnson - 33

I don't see that list and get warm and fuzzy that Stevenson will sniff 100 receptions.

I also don't quite understand how Elliott taking away carries and goal line looks can be viewed as a good thing for Stevenson. IMO, this furthers my perspective that Stevenson's production will be lower than last year. Shave off 20 receptions and a few carries, and he would be in the RB15 range. FantasyPros has his ADP at RB9 and 24th overall.

Elliott took away 12 TDs from Pollard last season, but that didn’t stop Pollard from being a top 10 fantasy RB. Same principle applies here: Stevenson is a stud in his own right, and he’s going to get his. He produces as a runner and receiver, he is not necessarily TD dependent for value. It just means Stevenson won’t be run to the ground. Damien Harris was supposed to be the guy to share the load last season but he couldn’t stay healthy enough. If anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

Those are definitely the biggest fallers in this

 

[Lansdowne]

anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

Those are definitely the biggest fallers in this

Yup. I think Strong will win a spot on the 53 and Harris will end up on the practice squad. Either one of them could be interesting for 2024 depending on how much improvement they show between now and then. Stevenson will be on the final year of his rookie contract in 2024, and BB typically doesn’t pay up for RBs. I liked Strong more as the hedge to Stevenson for this season until they started looking at Zeke/Cook/Fournette and inevitably signed Zeke. I still like Strong if he gets enough volume, I just don’t see it happening for him this season barring multiple injuries ahead of him. As it stands Strong won’t have standalone value and seems like a taxi squad stash more than anything.

 

[Truebluey]

Zeke signing just means Stevenson is more likely to fall to me, maybe he'll make it to round 4

I'm still taking Stevenson over guys like Najee, Gibbs, and A. Jones. Maybe this knocks him below Breece Hall (assuming they don't also add a veteran RB) but I'm not seeing a big hit here at all.

Prophetic

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Zeke signing just means Stevenson is more likely to fall to me, maybe he'll make it to round 4?

I hate using the term washed, more often than not, when people use it, they just mean not as good as they once were. With that said, I think Zeke is washed. He can do goal line and pass blocking (when not playing Center) and he's a liability everywhere else. If NE had to add a RB, Zeke is the least threating one, less than Cook, less than Hunt, less than Fournette, and less threatening than keeping Harris would have been.

I'm still taking Stevenson over guys like Najee, Gibbs, and A. Jones. Maybe this knocks him below Breece Hall (assuming they don't also add a veteran RB) but I'm not seeing a big hit here at all.

i was just coming to post something similar. The more I think about it the more I like it.

RS could be a 100 reception RB this year. (Could - not a prediction or a flag)

Look, people are going to take the Zeke news and twist and contort it to fit their narrative.

Team leader in receptions by a RB with Bill O'Brien attached to the offense:

2007 - Kevin Faulk - 47
2008 - Kevin Faulk - 58
2009 - Kevin Faulk - 37
2010 - Danny Woodhead - 34
2011 - Danny Woodhead - 18
2014 - Arian Foster - 38
2015 - Jonathan Grimes - 26
2016 - Lamar Miller - 31
2017 - Lamar Miller - 36
2018 - Lamar Miller - 25
2019 - Duke Johnson - 44
2020 - David Johnson - 33

I don't see that list and get warm and fuzzy that Stevenson will sniff 100 receptions.

I also don't quite understand how Elliott taking away carries and goal line looks can be viewed as a good thing for Stevenson. IMO, this furthers my perspective that Stevenson's production will be lower than last year. Shave off 20 receptions and a few carries, and he would be in the RB15 range. FantasyPros has his ADP at RB9 and 24th overall.

Elliott took away 12 TDs from Pollard last season, but that didn’t stop Pollard from being a top 10 fantasy RB. Same principle applies here: Stevenson is a stud in his own right, and he’s going to get his. He produces as a runner and receiver, he is not necessarily TD dependent for value. It just means Stevenson won’t be run to the ground. Damien Harris was supposed to be the guy to share the load last season but he couldn’t stay healthy enough. If anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

This is the take here. 210 carries/69 receptions In 2022 still feels very doable in 2023.

 

[Penguin]

Season long I don't see a big diup for Stevenson. I think the first few weeks his touches will see a decent dip until Zeke starts to hit the wall later in the season.

 

[goose_egged]

I'm willing to believe signing Zeke isn't as bad for Rhamondre as it looks but I do long for the days when James Robinson was the veteran help NE brought in at RB.

 

[humpback]

Elliott took away 12 TDs from Pollard last season, but that didn’t stop Pollard from being a top 10 fantasy RB. Same principle applies here: Stevenson is a stud in his own right, and he’s going to get his. He produces as a runner and receiver, he is not necessarily TD dependent for value. It just means Stevenson won’t be run to the ground. Damien Harris was supposed to be the guy to share the load last season but he couldn’t stay healthy enough. If anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

That's because it still left Pollard with 9 rushing and 12 total TDs. The RB pie in Dallas was much larger than it was (and is expected to be) in NE, not comparable IMO.

3 of his 5 rushing TDs and 4 of his 6 total TDs came from inside the 10 last season. This certainly, on paper, puts a ding in his value, just like the absence of Zeke increases Pollard's value some.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

The fantasy RB situation gets a bit bleaker with Hall and Stevenson now losing volume. Seems going RB early is the way to go this year in redraft.

 

[JohnnyU]

The fantasy RB situation gets a bit bleaker with Hall and Stevenson now losing volume. Seems going RB early is the way to go this year in redraft.

I'm not so sure Zeke has much left in the tank, but I agree, it does take some volume away from Stevenson I would think.

 

[-jb-]

The fantasy RB situation gets a bit bleaker with Hall and Stevenson now losing volume. Seems going RB early is the way to go this year in redraft.

ive been trying to process this. I typically look at how it impacts where other players will go. If drafting first, I was pretty high on going JJ them Rhamondre, but now I think it’s CMC. Pretty steep dropoff at WR tho too. Wild year.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

The fantasy RB situation gets a bit bleaker with Hall and Stevenson now losing volume. Seems going RB early is the way to go this year in redraft.

I'm not so sure Zeke has much left in the tank, but I agree, it does take some volume away from Stevenson I would think.

If Zeke gets all the goal-line work and some of the two minute drill work, that's a hit to Stevenson's fantasy value - like you I don't think Zeke has much left in the tank so while it doesn't change my mind all that much on Stevenson, it does now drop him down from a strong RB2 with RB1 upside to a potentially weaker RB2.

 

[Lansdowne]

Elliott took away 12 TDs from Pollard last season, but that didn’t stop Pollard from being a top 10 fantasy RB. Same principle applies here: Stevenson is a stud in his own right, and he’s going to get his. He produces as a runner and receiver, he is not necessarily TD dependent for value. It just means Stevenson won’t be run to the ground. Damien Harris was supposed to be the guy to share the load last season but he couldn’t stay healthy enough. If anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

That's because it still left Pollard with 9 rushing and 12 total TDs. The RB pie in Dallas was much larger than it was (and is expected to be) in NE, not comparable IMO.

3 of his 5 rushing TDs and 4 of his 6 total TDs came from inside the 10 last season. This certainly, on paper, puts a ding in his value, just like the absence of Zeke increases Pollard's value some.

The size of the pie may or may not be as big as Dallas last year but I don’t expect it to be as small as it was for New England last year either. You also can’t compare this year’s offense to last year’s. If I’m not mistaken the Pats were dead last in red zone offense. With a competent offensive coordinator finally in the building I’d expect something closer to their 2021 campaign where they ran for 24 rushing touchdowns as a team. That’d be enough for both Stevenson and Elliott to feast.

 

[Anarchy99]

I just posted this in the Elliott thread . . .

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the Patriots acquired another old and washed up running back. He was coming off a career worst season with only 541 rushing yards and a 3.9 ypc. That player lost his job to a 25-year-old, 4th round pick named Rudi Johnson. The 30-year-old running back the Patriots brought in had 1,865 total carries up until that point.

Elliot is coming off a season where he had a career low 876 rushing yards. He lost his job to Tony Pollard, a 25-year-old pick named Tony Pollard. Elliot at 28 has amassed 1,881 total carries up until this point.

Is Zeke going to turn into Corey Dillon revisited? Unlikely, but their situations are pretty similar. Dillon did not come in with much competition at RB. Elliott comes in with Stevenson younger, faster, and fresher. I think people may be surprised what Elliott gets as a workload.

"Old guy" RB numbers in NE . . .

2001 - Antowain Smith (29) - 1349 YFS / 13 TD . . . 84.3 YFS/gm
2002 - Antowain Smith (30) - 1225 YFS / 8 TD . . . 76.6 YFS/gm
2003 - Antowain Smith (31) - 734 YFS / 3 TD . . . 56.5 YFS/gm
2004 - Corey Dillon (30) - 1738 YFS / 13 TD . . . 115.9 YFS/gm
2004 - Kevin Faulk (28) - 503 YFS / 3 TD . . . 45.7 YFS/gm
2005 - Corey Dillon (31) - 914 YFS / 13 TD . . . 76.2 YFS/gm
2005 - Kevin Faulk (29) - 405 YFS / 0 TD . . . 50.6 YFS/gm
2006 - Corey Dillon (32) - 959 YFS / 13 TD . . . 60.0 YFS/gm
2006 - Kevin Faulk (30) - 479 YFS / 3 TD . . . 31.9 YFS/gm
2007 - Kevin Faulk (31) - 648 YFS / 1 TD . . . 40.5 YFS/gm
2007 - Sammy Morris (30) - 419 YFS / 3 TD . . . 69.8 YFS/gm
2008 - Kevin Faulk (32) - 993 YFS / 6 TD . . . 66.2 YFS/gm
2008 - Sammy Morris (31) - 888 YFS / 7 TD . . . 68.3 YFS/gm
2008 - Lamont Jordan (30) - 363 YFS / 4 TD . . . 45.4 YFS/gm
2009 - Kevin Faulk (33) - 636 YFS / 3 TD . . . 42.4 FYS/gm
2009 - Sammy Morris (32) - 499 YFS / 2 TD . . . 41.6 YFS/gm
2009 - Fred Taylor (33) - 286 YFS / 4 TD . . . 47.6 YFS/gm
2014 - LaGarrette Blount (28) - 299 YFS / 3 TD . . . 59.8 YFS/gm
2015 - LaGarrette Blount (29) - 746 YFS / 7 TD . . . 62.1 YFS/gm
2016 - LaGarrette Blount (30) - 1199 YFS / 18 TD . . . 75.0 YFS/gm
2018 - Rex Burkhead (28) - 317 YFS / 1 TD . . . 40.1 YFS/gm
2019 - Rex Burkhead (29) - 581 YFS / 3 TD . . . 44.7 YFS/gm
2020 - Rex Burkhead (30) - 466 YFS / 6 TD . . . 46.6 YFS/gm
2020 - James White (28) - 496 YFS / 3 TD . . . 35.4 YFS/gm
2021 - Brandon Bolden (31) - 631 YFS / 3 TD . . . 37.1 YFS/gm

The league has gotten away from teams playing older backs (not that 28 is exceedingly old). I listed 25 running backs. The two years by Dillon and Blount were outliers, but most of the time those players averaged 40-50 YFS/gm. Their totals may have been low, but that's because several times players suffered an injury. So far in his career, Elliott has been pretty durable.

What does it all mean? I will randomly say that Elliott tweaks something and misses 2 games. That leaves 15 games in which he will play. I think Zeke has more to offer than some of the really old retreads on that list (Morris, Jordan, Taylor, Bolden), so I think Elliott will end up in the 50 YFS/gm range in the games he is a support player. That would put him around 750 YFS. IMO, If Stevenson gets dinged, Elliott will get more work (NE doesn't appear to have an experienced option other than Elliott). Call it an extra 100 YFS when RS is out. I also think NE brought him in to get goal line touches, so overall, I would probably project Elliott for 850 YFS with 8 TD. In standard scoring leagues, that would probably rank him around RB30.

 

[travdogg]

The fantasy RB situation gets a bit bleaker with Hall and Stevenson now losing volume. Seems going RB early is the way to go this year in redraft.

I'm not so sure Zeke has much left in the tank, but I agree, it does take some volume away from Stevenson I would think.

If Zeke gets all the goal-line work and some of the two minute drill work, that's a hit to Stevenson's fantasy value - like you I don't think Zeke has much left in the tank so while it doesn't change my mind all that much on Stevenson, it does now him down from a strong RB2 with RB1 upside to a potentially weaker RB2.

It'd be shocking if Zeke got 2-minute drill work.I know Zeke has a reputation as a good pass blocker, but Stevenson isn't coming off the field on 3rd downs. I'm expecting something close to a 70-30 split between Stevenson and Zeke, probably just GL and change of pace.

I've got Stevenson at RB10 and would gladly take him in the round 3. Him being RB10 though, is probably even more of a reason to possibly start RB/RB.

I have Zeke somewhere in the 40s at RB, and worth a shot in like round 10 or so. I think he's closer to a handcuff than a threat though, somewhat like a Jaylen Warren or Elijah Mitchell.

 

[humpback]

Elliott took away 12 TDs from Pollard last season, but that didn’t stop Pollard from being a top 10 fantasy RB. Same principle applies here: Stevenson is a stud in his own right, and he’s going to get his. He produces as a runner and receiver, he is not necessarily TD dependent for value. It just means Stevenson won’t be run to the ground. Damien Harris was supposed to be the guy to share the load last season but he couldn’t stay healthy enough. If anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

That's because it still left Pollard with 9 rushing and 12 total TDs. The RB pie in Dallas was much larger than it was (and is expected to be) in NE, not comparable IMO.

3 of his 5 rushing TDs and 4 of his 6 total TDs came from inside the 10 last season. This certainly, on paper, puts a ding in his value, just like the absence of Zeke increases Pollard's value some.

The size of the pie may or may not be as big as Dallas last year but I don’t expect it to be as small as it was for New England last year either. You also can’t compare this year’s offense to last year’s. If I’m not mistaken the Pats were dead last in red zone offense. With a competent offensive coordinator finally in the building I’d expect something closer to their 2021 campaign where they ran for 24 rushing touchdowns as a team. That’d be enough for both Stevenson and Elliott to feast.

So the Pats were dead last in red zone offense last year with Stevenson, and they just gave a nice chunk of change to a RB who is known to be very good in the red zone, and that's somehow a positive for Stevenson?

There's very little chance that they rush for 24 TDs again this year, but I'm sure you know that Stevenson only had 5 of those 24 TDs in 2021. He didn't feast at all, the Harris (perhaps now Zeke?) role did.

Not saying this is some death knell by any stretch, just find the positive spin amusing.

 

[Anarchy99]

I have Zeke somewhere in the 40s at RB

In my post just above yours, I have Zeke roughly at RB30 . . . which would come at the expense of Stevenson. Those 25-30 fantasy points would be enough to drop Stevenson to the RB15-20 range. I definitely see situations where Stevenson will come off the field on third down. Short yardage, goal line, 3rd and 20, not his series (NE normally has their second back get a series all to his own each half), etc. I also think RS won't see close to 70 receptions again this year. Bill O'Brien over his career doesn't typically use his backs out of the backfield that much.

Put another way, the Elliott signing should not help Stevenson's cause at all, and what on the surface appeared to be a potentially really high ceiling season should certainly reduce that ceiling by quite a bit IMO.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

It'd be shocking if Zeke got 2-minute drill work.I know Zeke has a reputation as a good pass blocker

I said "some" because it does seem like a possibility. I agree Stevenson excels in that aspect - but who knows how they split up the snaps.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Bill O'Brien over his career doesn't typically use his backs out of the backfield that much.

Maybe he never had such a weak group at WR? I don't see much advantage throwing the ball downfield with that group.

 

[Anarchy99]

Bill O'Brien over his career doesn't typically use his backs out of the backfield that much.

Maybe he never had such a weak group at WR? I don't see much advantage throwing the ball downfield with that group.

Is their current group of WRs that much different than an injured Welker-an old Branch-and Brandon Tate? How about Welker-Branch-and the ghost of Chad Johnson? That's who the receivers were when he was OC in NE the first time around. Granted, he was developing Gronk and Hernandez at the time, but that pushed them more into 2 TE sets (which didn't involve much passing to the backs).

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Granted, he was developing Gronk and Hernandez at the time,

Yeah that kind of makes a big difference, and you put it as an afterthought.

I'm not saying they will throw to the RBs more this season, but every season is a different animal and right now the Pats have junk at both WR and TE (arguably the worst in the league) so throwing to a stud RB may not be the worst idea.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Gesecki separated his shoulder, which is a tough injury for a TE (anyone, really) depending on the severity - could bode well for RS receptions.

 

[kface]

This guy is a key cog in my success this year. The EE signing hurts for sure because at a min that is going to strip away goal line opportunities for a team that doesn't get to the goal line much

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

This guy is a key cog in my success this year. The EE signing hurts for sure because at a min that is going to strip away goal line opportunities for a team that doesn't get to the goal line much

If you watched a lot of Pats last year you’d have seen that RS scored from further out most of the time.

I’m not that worried about Zeke as a GL vulture because while it will surely happen a few times, the Pats just don’t have that many GL chances.

I’m more than happy to see RS cede 3rd and 1s to Zeke - good recipe to keep RS healthy.

 

[kface]

This guy is a key cog in my success this year. The EE signing hurts for sure because at a min that is going to strip away goal line opportunities for a team that doesn't get to the goal line much

If you watched a lot of Pats last year you’d have seen that RS scored from further out most of the time.

I’m not that worried about Zeke as a GL vulture because while it will surely happen a few times, the Pats just don’t have that many GL chances.

I’m more than happy to see RS cede 3rd and 1st to Zeke - good recipe to keep RS healthy.

All speculation at this point however

I was looking forward to RS being the dominant force in that backfield.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I was looking forward to RS being the dominant force in that backfield.

IMO he still will be.

 

[kface]

I was looking forward to RS being the dominant force in that backfield.

IMO he still will be

Hopefully...and hopefully this doesn't turn into every other season so far with Harris

 

[Dr. Octopus]

If you watched a lot of Pats last year you’d have seen that RS scored from further out most of the time.

To be fair, it’s hard to rely on a lot of long TDs.

 

[kface]

If you watched a lot of Pats last year you’d have seen that RS scored from further out most of the time.

To be fair, it’s hard to rely on a lot of long TDs.

And also us RS owners were hopeful he would be the goal line goto this year which would increase his value. i think it's clear that won't be the case...

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

If you watched a lot of Pats last year you’d have seen that RS scored from further out most of the time.

To be fair, it’s hard to rely on a lot of long TDs.

It’s true, but he does have that power/elusive/speed combo that’s conducive to it.

 

[The Finist]

I know Rhamondre rated poorly at the GL last year but feel like I remember him being very good at the GL and short yardage the year before.

 

[Anarchy99]

I know Rhamondre rated poorly at the GL last year but feel like I remember him being very good at the GL and short yardage the year before.

Inside the 10-yard line . . .
2021 - 2.0 ypc, 5 TD in 11 attempts
2022 - 1.1 ypc, 3 TD in 19 attempts

3rd / 4th and up to 3 yards to go . . .
2021 - 11.0 ypc on 3 attempts for 3 first downs
2022 - 2.2 ypc on 13 attempts for 8 first downs

 

[Lansdowne]

Elliott took away 12 TDs from Pollard last season, but that didn’t stop Pollard from being a top 10 fantasy RB. Same principle applies here: Stevenson is a stud in his own right, and he’s going to get his. He produces as a runner and receiver, he is not necessarily TD dependent for value. It just means Stevenson won’t be run to the ground. Damien Harris was supposed to be the guy to share the load last season but he couldn’t stay healthy enough. If anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

That's because it still left Pollard with 9 rushing and 12 total TDs. The RB pie in Dallas was much larger than it was (and is expected to be) in NE, not comparable IMO.

3 of his 5 rushing TDs and 4 of his 6 total TDs came from inside the 10 last season. This certainly, on paper, puts a ding in his value, just like the absence of Zeke increases Pollard's value some.

The size of the pie may or may not be as big as Dallas last year but I don’t expect it to be as small as it was for New England last year either. You also can’t compare this year’s offense to last year’s. If I’m not mistaken the Pats were dead last in red zone offense. With a competent offensive coordinator finally in the building I’d expect something closer to their 2021 campaign where they ran for 24 rushing touchdowns as a team. That’d be enough for both Stevenson and Elliott to feast.

So the Pats were dead last in red zone offense last year with Stevenson, and they just gave a nice chunk of change to a RB who is known to be very good in the red zone, and that's somehow a positive for Stevenson?

There's very little chance that they rush for 24 TDs again this year, but I'm sure you know that Stevenson only had 5 of those 24 TDs in 2021. He didn't feast at all, the Harris (perhaps now Zeke?) role did.

Not saying this is some death knell by any stretch, just find the positive spin amusing.

Only issue is you’re not taking into account that the Harris role in 2021 was RB1 and in 2022 he was in the RB2 role. Technically Stevenson will be in the 2021 RB role as he’s the RB1 of this team now, and Zeke would be the RB2 role.

Nobody here is denying that Zeke will vulture TDs, I’m more or less arguing that the negative impact on Stevenson is overstated. Even if he gets the same 5 TDs this season as he did last, he’ll still be a top 10-12 fantasy RB. The whole point of bringing a guy like Zeke is it’ll allow Stevenson to stay in the game on passing downs rather than rely on a traditional third down guy (like they have with Kevin Faulk, Shane Vereen, and James White in years past). The Zeke signing maybe puts a wet blanket on the 3 down bellcow talk but it doesn’t make him any less valuable. Fact of the matter is he did wear down late last season and the Zeke signing should help Stevenson remain fresher for the fantasy playoffs.

 

[fuzzy_dunlop]

The Zeke signing maybe puts a wet blanket on the 3 down bellcow talk

Agreed and it was never going to happen anyway. RS was gassed late in games last year when he wasn't coming off the field. It was not ideal. Also, as has been widely discussed, the offense lacked creativity to say the least. It was hard to watch.

 

[humpback]

Elliott took away 12 TDs from Pollard last season, but that didn’t stop Pollard from being a top 10 fantasy RB. Same principle applies here: Stevenson is a stud in his own right, and he’s going to get his. He produces as a runner and receiver, he is not necessarily TD dependent for value. It just means Stevenson won’t be run to the ground. Damien Harris was supposed to be the guy to share the load last season but he couldn’t stay healthy enough. If anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

That's because it still left Pollard with 9 rushing and 12 total TDs. The RB pie in Dallas was much larger than it was (and is expected to be) in NE, not comparable IMO.

3 of his 5 rushing TDs and 4 of his 6 total TDs came from inside the 10 last season. This certainly, on paper, puts a ding in his value, just like the absence of Zeke increases Pollard's value some.

The size of the pie may or may not be as big as Dallas last year but I don’t expect it to be as small as it was for New England last year either. You also can’t compare this year’s offense to last year’s. If I’m not mistaken the Pats were dead last in red zone offense. With a competent offensive coordinator finally in the building I’d expect something closer to their 2021 campaign where they ran for 24 rushing touchdowns as a team. That’d be enough for both Stevenson and Elliott to feast.

So the Pats were dead last in red zone offense last year with Stevenson, and they just gave a nice chunk of change to a RB who is known to be very good in the red zone, and that's somehow a positive for Stevenson?

There's very little chance that they rush for 24 TDs again this year, but I'm sure you know that Stevenson only had 5 of those 24 TDs in 2021. He didn't feast at all, the Harris (perhaps now Zeke?) role did.

Not saying this is some death knell by any stretch, just find the positive spin amusing.

Only issue is you’re not taking into account that the Harris role in 2021 was RB1 and in 2022 he was in the RB2 role. Technically Stevenson will be in the 2021 RB role as he’s the RB1 of this team now, and Zeke would be the RB2 role.

Nobody here is denying that Zeke will vulture TDs, I’m more or less arguing that the negative impact on Stevenson is overstated. Even if he gets the same 5 TDs this season as he did last, he’ll still be a top 10-12 fantasy RB. The whole point of bringing a guy like Zeke is it’ll allow Stevenson to stay in the game on passing downs rather than rely on a traditional third down guy (like they have with Kevin Faulk, Shane Vereen, and James White in years past). The Zeke signing maybe puts a wet blanket on the 3 down bellcow talk but it doesn’t make him any less valuable. Fact of the matter is he did wear down late last season and the Zeke signing should help Stevenson remain fresher for the fantasy playoffs.

You aren't accounting for the fact that Harris was injured. In the first 4 weeks of the season, Harris had more touches, yards, and TDs than Stevenson, then he got hurt early in week 5 and the rest is history. Also, we don't know that Stevenson will be in the 2021 RB role, seems highly unlikely actually.

You keep speaking as if you know the "whole point" of bringing in a guy like Zeke. No one has any idea outside of a few people in NE. The fact is, an organization who is known for not spending a lot of money in free agency went out and gave a pretty nice amount to a veteran RB who is known to be very good in the red zone and pass pro. In fact, they gave him much more than what they chose not to give to Harris, who has had a lot of success in their system.

Time will tell how it plays out (I'm not very optimistic they're going to get their money's worth out of Zeke), but IMO there's a lot more evidence that they at least have plans on Zeke having a fairly substantial role, and it's hard to spin that as a good thing for Stevenson. That isn't a contract you give to someone to just spell them here and there and "keep them fresh".

 

[Lansdowne]

Elliott took away 12 TDs from Pollard last season, but that didn’t stop Pollard from being a top 10 fantasy RB. Same principle applies here: Stevenson is a stud in his own right, and he’s going to get his. He produces as a runner and receiver, he is not necessarily TD dependent for value. It just means Stevenson won’t be run to the ground. Damien Harris was supposed to be the guy to share the load last season but he couldn’t stay healthy enough. If anything this speaks of a lack of confidence by Belichick of Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris to be that breather for Stevenson.

That's because it still left Pollard with 9 rushing and 12 total TDs. The RB pie in Dallas was much larger than it was (and is expected to be) in NE, not comparable IMO.

3 of his 5 rushing TDs and 4 of his 6 total TDs came from inside the 10 last season. This certainly, on paper, puts a ding in his value, just like the absence of Zeke increases Pollard's value some.

The size of the pie may or may not be as big as Dallas last year but I don’t expect it to be as small as it was for New England last year either. You also can’t compare this year’s offense to last year’s. If I’m not mistaken the Pats were dead last in red zone offense. With a competent offensive coordinator finally in the building I’d expect something closer to their 2021 campaign where they ran for 24 rushing touchdowns as a team. That’d be enough for both Stevenson and Elliott to feast.

So the Pats were dead last in red zone offense last year with Stevenson, and they just gave a nice chunk of change to a RB who is known to be very good in the red zone, and that's somehow a positive for Stevenson?

There's very little chance that they rush for 24 TDs again this year, but I'm sure you know that Stevenson only had 5 of those 24 TDs in 2021. He didn't feast at all, the Harris (perhaps now Zeke?) role did.

Not saying this is some death knell by any stretch, just find the positive spin amusing.

Only issue is you’re not taking into account that the Harris role in 2021 was RB1 and in 2022 he was in the RB2 role. Technically Stevenson will be in the 2021 RB role as he’s the RB1 of this team now, and Zeke would be the RB2 role.

Nobody here is denying that Zeke will vulture TDs, I’m more or less arguing that the negative impact on Stevenson is overstated. Even if he gets the same 5 TDs this season as he did last, he’ll still be a top 10-12 fantasy RB. The whole point of bringing a guy like Zeke is it’ll allow Stevenson to stay in the game on passing downs rather than rely on a traditional third down guy (like they have with Kevin Faulk, Shane Vereen, and James White in years past). The Zeke signing maybe puts a wet blanket on the 3 down bellcow talk but it doesn’t make him any less valuable. Fact of the matter is he did wear down late last season and the Zeke signing should help Stevenson remain fresher for the fantasy playoffs.

You aren't accounting for the fact that Harris was injured. In the first 4 weeks of the season, Harris had more touches, yards, and TDs than Stevenson, then he got hurt early in week 5 and the rest is history. Also, we don't know that Stevenson will be in the 2021 RB role, seems highly unlikely actually.

You keep speaking as if you know the "whole point" of bringing in a guy like Zeke. No one has any idea outside of a few people in NE. The fact is, an organization who is known for not spending a lot of money in free agency went out and gave a pretty nice amount to a veteran RB who is known to be very good in the red zone and pass pro. In fact, they gave him much more than what they chose not to give to Harris, who has had a lot of success in their system.

Time will tell how it plays out (I'm not very optimistic they're going to get their money's worth out of Zeke), but IMO there's a lot more evidence that they at least have plans on Zeke having a fairly substantial role, and it's hard to spin that as a good thing for Stevenson. That isn't a contract you give to someone to just spell them here and there and "keep them fresh".

I guess we’ll find out which of us is correct soon enough. Can’t say I agree with your assessment of the RB situation but I appreciate the discourse.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Also, as has been widely discussed, the offense lacked creativity to say the least. It was hard to watch.

They did change OCs, if you can call the last dude an OC with a straight face.

 

[Boston]

From a Mike Giardi article where he predicts the Pats 53 man roster:

Running Back (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott and Pierre Strong

Out: Kevin Harris, Montgomery, C.J. Marable

- Zeke ends up as Stevenson’s primary backup. Stevenson will end up with just about as many targets as he had last year and stays on the field as your passing down back. Why? Because Montgomery is never healthy and counting on him is officially foolish in my book. Harris ends up on the practice squad, even though I think he's a better player than Strong right now.

 

[Anarchy99]

For those that missed this pages and pages ago . . .

The past two seasons have been extra confusing to figure out what the Patriots have been doing strategically at RB. Harris would get reps while RS was in the doghouse for fumbling. One guy would get nicked up and not finish a game. One guy would miss time with an injury and the other back would take over for a few games. One guy would be at full strength and the other guy would see limited reps recovering from injury. You get the picture.

There were only 9 times in the past 2 seasons when DH and RS were able to both full stretch and able to play 20 snaps in a game in the same game. In those games, here was the breakdown:

RS: 33 snaps, 10.8 carries, 2.7 receptions, 13.4 touches
DH: 27 snaps, 12.4 carries, 1.4 receptions, 13.9 touches

For those saying "What about last year, Stevenson got way more touches than Harris did!" That was true overall . . . but these numbers include 6 games from last year. Overall, Stevenson had single digit carries in 4 of the 9 games. Harris had double digit carries in 8 of the 9 games.

People can speculate all they want and assign whatever workload split they want . . . but if Stevenson and Elliott are both healthy and available, I believe the split will be way closer to 50/50 than people are projecting. Maybe BB thinks RS is way better than EE and the split will be 75/25 or 80/20. But NE didn't need to spend $4M to get a guy to get 3-5 touches a game.