“That’s the story of life and football: adversity, being able to bounce back. »
“That’s the story of life and football: adversity, being able to bounce back. »
In a different Patriots regime, Rhamondre Stevenson likely would have been stapled to New England’s bench for a majority of Sunday’s game in Buffalo.
Being frank, there’s probably a higher likelihood that Stevenson wouldn’t be on the roster at all — given his extended struggles with ball security.
But on Sunday — after his 10th fumble in his last 20 games — Stevenson found himself back on the field at Highmark Stadium, just four snaps after he put the ball on the ground.
It was a gamble that paid for the Patriots and head coach Mike Vrabel — with Stevenson bouncing back en route to two second-half touchdowns during the Patriots’ 23-20 upset win over the Bills.
“I think it’s huge,” Stevenson said of the faith put on display by New England’s coaching staff. “I think that gives me a ton of confidence. Just keep my head a little level, because it could get frustrating. I have three fumbles in a couple of games, but I’m just going to tighten it up.
“I’m going to work every week, just try to get better, to try to clean it up. But yeah, my teammates and Coach [Vrabel] and [Josh] McDaniels being behind me, it means the world. So I just need to follow up and do my part.”
Sunday showcased Stevenson’s critical role within New England’s running back room — as well as the tightrope that Vrabel must navigate when it comes to utilizing a player who has been prone to coughing up the football.
