New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson knew the writing was on the wall when he dropped his fourth fumble of the season in the Patriots’ Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
On Wednesday, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo told media members that the team was considering replacing Stevenson with Antonio Gibson as the starting running back for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
Stevenson is disappointed in his performances, but he isn’t pounding his chest and placing the blame anywhere else but at the man staring back at him in the mirror.
“I mean, it’s just written already,” Stevenson said, via MassLive’s Mark Daniels. “I’ve put the ball on the ground too many times. Whatever they plan to do, I’m ready to roll with it. I’m just going to show up to practice, do what I always do.”
The good news is there’s plenty of time left to turn things around. Stevenson is confident that he can rebuild the trust with his coaches and teammates.
“I’m very confident,” said Stevenson. “I know what I can do with the ball in my hands. It’s just about building that confidence with the coaches and my teammates again.”
There is no question that Stevenson can be a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. But a lack of ball security is the fastest way for any player to find himself in the doghouse, especially on a team lacking in firepower to make up for mistakes.
Being talented isn’t nearly as important as being dependable.