Looking at Rhamondre Stevenson’s Week 2 through Advanced Stats

I, unlike many, was high on Rhamondre Stevenson coming into this year. I wrote about how he’s been overlooked by most fans as a thing of the past now that the Patriots drafted TreVeyon Henderson in the second round, but I didn’t think that was fair to him. In my RB Room Preseason Preview article, I argued that he could return to his numbers from 2022 (5.0 yards per carry, 69 receptions) in the improved backfield. 

After week one, it looked like I was going to eat my words. Rhamondre had only 15 yards on seven attempts, barely making an impact. Expectations were low going into Week 2, and it looked like Henderson would take over the backfield sooner rather than later.

Rhamondre Stevenson’s Redemption

This week against the Dolphins, Stevenson looked like a player reborn, and it wasn’t because it was an easy situation. He faced the seventh-highest 8-in-the-box percentage, but had the seventh-best RYOE/attempt (NextGenStats. ‘Mondre made the most of his opportunities and made the Patriots a near-average rushing attack based on EPA/play for the first time in a while (rbsdm.com).

But Rhamondre’s best contributions didn’t happen on the ground; he had the best receiving game of his career against Miami. He averaged 12.6 yards after catch per reception, his best number since his rookie season (minimum two receptions). He was also the recipient of maybe Drake Maye’s best throw of the day, a wheel route down the right sideline that he broke for 55 yards (ProFootballReference).

Looking Forward

After a great week, Stevenson looks poised to play a bigger role in the offense this year than previously expected. Outside of his preseason kickoff return touchdown, TreVeyon Henderson hasn’t had his breakout moment, so it’s Rhamondre’s backfield to lose for the foreseeable future. If he can repeat this week's efficiency, it could be an efficient and balanced offensive year for this Patriots squad.