Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson runs for a touchdown during New England’s first exhibition game this season, a 22-13 win over the Washington Football Team. Stew Milne/Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — The Patriots have a stable full of running backs that may be the deepest in the league.
There are only two true Week 1 roster locks – Damien Harris and James White – while Rhamondre Stevenson, J.J. Taylor, Sony Michel, and Brandon Bolden all vie for the other positions. A rookie out of Oklahoma, Stevenson has never been in a battle so steep.
“It’s a great amount of competition,” Stevenson said after joint practices in Philadelphia. “Every one of those backs, they can run, they can block, they can catch. It’s a competition more than I have ever been in, in my life. It’s a fun moment though. We’re all getting better. Iron sharpens iron, and I really truly believe that. So it’s a great experience.”
Stevenson certainly made a strong impression in his first preseason game. The rookie scored a pair of touchdowns and ripped off a 91-yard run to paydirt in the waning moments of a win over the Washington Football Team.
It came in the wake of some tough love from Ivan Fears. Earlier this month, the running backs coach was asked what Stevenson needs to improve at.
“Everything,” Fears replied. “Everything. What do I like about him? He’s here. I like that he’s here. Other than that, everything’s got to improve. That’s what we have to get done. He’s got a lot to learn. He’s talented, we’ll see what he can do in the games, but right now, he’s got a lot to learn. A lot to learn.”
Stevenson heard those comments from Fears – and he agrees.
“I would say the same thing,” Stevenson said. “If you guys asked me, I need to work one everything. The complete package. I do some things well, but I just need to work on things that I’m not so good at. Things like that. When he said everything, that’s the same answer I would give.”
Having said that, he does feel he’s growing more acclimated to the Patriots offense.
“Of course. I feel a lot more comfortable,” Stevenson said. “There’s still a lot more work to do. But I’m feeling more comfortable, more confident, playing faster.”
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