We continue our roster review/free agent preview. This weekend, we turn our attention to the running back position. The Patriots were 21st in rushing DVOA, but a late-season surge had them climb up the ranks in the more traditional measurements. They were 6th in rushing yards per game and produced the 4th most rushing touchdowns in the league (22). That success carried into the postseason, right up until the Super Bowl when, well, the Pats picked a fine time to play their worst game of the year (on all fronts).
Running backs: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison, Terrell Jennings, Elijah Mitchell
I’m not sure how anyone could have watched the Patriots this season and not think Stevenson was one of their most valuable players. He overcame his case of fumbilitis and became a reliable, consistent cog in the offense. Stevenson finished 7th amongst running backs who logged at least 175 carries (including playoffs) in yards after contact, averaging 3.47 yards (De’Von Achane was 1, Bijan Robinson 2, Derrick Henry 3, Jonathan Taylor 5).
His value wasn’t just in the run game. He became the team’s most trusted back in pass protection by a long shot, and as the season bled into January and February, Stevenson rarely came off the field.
“He's a great example for any young player," Josh McDaniels said of Stevenson. "I hope they’re paying attention, because it’s hard to go through a season in the National Football League and not deal with some personal adversity on or off the field. But then you have to be a professional. Do your job. Improve in that area. And then eventually, you’re gonna get on the other side of that."
Stevenson did that. Meanwhile, the man he shared the backfield with, Henderson, had some moments where he looked every bit like a first-round running back who didn’t get picked until day two. He finished with 911 yards (5.1 YPC) and 9 rushing touchdowns. Henderson added 36 receptions and another TD. You look at those numbers and think ‘future superstar.’
However, the former Ohio State product left way too many yards on the field, mostly because he doesn’t see it as well as he needs to. It was maddening, if we're being fully transparent. Can that improve? That’s