The writing may already be on the locker room wall for New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson. After another costly fumbling performance in Week 3’s heartbreaking 21-14 loss to Pittsburgh, a former Patriots executive who helped build three championship teams issued a blunt assessment of Stevenson’s future in Foxborough.
Scott Pioli, who spent eight seasons in the Patriots front office during their dynasty years, didn’t mince words when discussing Stevenson’s ball security issues on NBC Sports Boston’s postgame show.
“Ball security is job security,” Pioli stated matter-of-factly. “So if you’re gonna turn the ball over, you ain’t gonna be around very long.”
Stevenson’s Fumbling Problem Reaches Critical Point
The numbers tell a troubling story for the fourth-year back. Stevenson leads the NFL with seven fumbles this season, including two devastating turnovers against the Steelers that likely cost New England the victory. His most crushing mistake came at the goal line, where he fumbled while diving for what should have been a touchdown.
After the game, even Stevenson acknowledged the harsh reality facing him.
“If I can’t hang onto the ball, then they don’t need me,” a dejected Stevenson told reporters.
Those words echoed what many Patriots fans were thinking as they watched their team’s promising drive evaporate in the red zone. The Patriots turned the ball over five times total against Pittsburgh, with Stevenson responsible for two of those giveaways.
The Championship Standard Still Applies
Pioli’s harsh assessment carries significant weight, given his role in building the New England Patriots dynasty alongside Bill Belichick. During his tenure from 2000 to 2008, the organization established a culture where fundamentals weren’t negotiable, regardless of talent level.
“You’re either going to learn how to hold onto the football, or someone else is going to have it, or you’re going to be somewhere else,” Pioli explained. “That was the rule: ‘We’ll get it fixed. If we don’t, we’ll find someone else to do your job. I ain’t mad at you. We’ll just find someone to do your job.’”
That philosophy helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls during Pioli’s tenure, and it’s the same standard current coach Mike Vrabel appears ready to enforce.
New England Patriots Face Difficult Decision
The timing of Stevenson’s struggles couldn’t be worse for the New England Patriots organization. Despite his ball security issues, Stevenson has shown flashes of the talent that made him valuable. He’s averaging 4.0 yards per carry on 87 rushing yards and has been effective as a receiver with 138 yards on 10 catches.
However, those positive contributions mean little when turnovers are killing drives and costing games. The New England Patriots can’t afford to keep players on the field they don’t trust in crucial moments, regardless of their contract situation. Stevenson’s deal presents another complication. Cutting him would result in approximately $12 million in dead cap space, a significant financial hit for any organization. But as Pioli’s comments suggest, the Patriots have never prioritized money over winning when fundamental execution is at stake.
