Mike Vrabel Gets Honest on Patriots Star’s Big Problem

   

For Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, watching film of the 2024 season has not always been pleasant. Which is understandable because, for Patriots fans, watching it in real time was not very pleasant, either. And one issue that was frustrating throughout the season was the tendency of star running back Rhamondre Stevenson to put the ball on the ground.

Mike Vrabel gives insight into pair of Patriots staffers' roles - Pats  Pulpit

Stevenson had seven fumbles in 2024, which was the most of any non-quarterback in the NFL. It’s a worry for the guy who was the most productive offensive player on the team, with 801 yards rushing on 207 carries and another 168 yards receiving on 33 catches.

That is a concern for Vrabel, especially after Stevenson again fumbled in Friday night’s scrimmage.


Patriots Getting ‘Clean Slate’

But asked about the situation this week, Vrabel said he would be willing to give Stevenson a clean slate coming into 2025, and pointed out that some of last year’s fumbles were an offshoot of the team’s general inability to block anyone.

“Everybody has a fresh, clean slate,” Vrabel said. “We like to go through those things, and some of that is technique, some of that is the second guy in. A lot of times on fumbles, if you want to talk fumbles and ball security, I’m happy to do that, but one person’s got to have the ball in their hand every play offensively, and the rest of those 10 players are going to be responsible for protecting the guy with the ball.

 

“And so, yep, there were some instances where he put it on the ground, and there were some instances where the second guy came in, and we need to eliminate the second guy from coming in by the way that we play and our play demeanor and the way that we finish. So a clean slate, everybody has a clean slate, but also, there’s things that have to change and be better at every position as we move toward the season.”


Rhamondre Stevenson ‘Can’t Do That’

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Still, that was not the case on Stevenson’s fumble on Friday. On that play, he made a good move and got into the open field, only to have the ball stripped.

Stevenson said he is on notice that he can’t let that happen–especially with rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson pushing for the starting job.

“I can’t do that. I can’t do that. A mistake happened. It’s training camp, so hopefully I can just get that out the way right now, you know? Go into the season clean,” he said.


Patriots Turnovers a Big Concern

Between Stevenson’s fumble and two interceptions by quarterback Drake Maye, Vrabel had much to worry about from the offense’s showing, though he did choose to focus on the positive.

“The turnovers – I thought we did some really good things, tried to show them that,” Vrabel said. The turnovers are certainly going to get us beat. We had some passes that should have been caught. We had some – I would say, decisions, right? I think.

“And hopefully when we ask a receiver to run a play like that, that if it’s not there, there’s other ways to get out of the play. If you continue to run, you’ve got a pocket, you can throw it away. So, those are great things to teach on in those specific instances.”a

Bich Phuong -
The Latest

Joshua Williams' High Risk of Being Cut from Kansas City Chiefs

Sport -7 giờ

Joshua Williams has been through the gauntlet with the Kansas City Chiefs as a two-time Super Bowl champion with 60 total appearances (and 12 starts) who now profiles as a cut or trade candidate amid the 2025 training camp. The 2022 fourth-round pick has certainly ...

Seahawks icon John Schneider let walk is quietly stealing the show for new team

Sport -7 giờ

Wish him well as he will always have a home in Seattle.     John Schneider had to do it. The Seattle Seahawks general manager was looking to revamp and rebuild an offense that was at times explosive but too often inefficient. To ...

Giants Get Bragging Rights in Future Hall of Fame Pick

Sport -7 giờ

The New York Giants are getting close to the start of their 2025-26 regular season, and it’s an exciting time for the franchise. The Giants have gone through a total quarterback upheaval, and their only returning signal-caller is hometown player ...

‘Nope Not Falling for the Kyle Pitts Hype’: Michael Penix Jr. Update Draws Mixed Reactions

Sport -7 giờ

Kyle Pitts and Michael Penix Jr. have become focal points of discussion as the Atlanta Falcons gear up for the 2025 NFL season. While Pitts generates sleeper buzz for a potential breakout, Penix’s role as the team’s starting quarterback has drawn skepticism from fans ...

BREAKING: Packers' Cornerback Ready to Return Stronger Than Ever

Sport -7 giờ

Green Bay Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs is back on the field after undergoing a significant injury surgery, and his recovery journey has been one of perseverance and commitment. As the 2025 NFL season draws closer, Hobbs is eager to prove ...