Patriots’ nightmare issue continues against Steelers, after being worst in the NFL in 2024

Patriots’ ball security problems were devastating in 2024, and proving to be just as bad in 2025

Last season, there was no team in the NFL that fumbled the football more than the New England Patriots. They averaged 1.8 fumbles per game, more than any other team in the NFL.

In 2024, running back Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled the football four times in the first four weeks of the season. The Patriots lost three of those games, including an overtime thriller against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.

As the season went on, Stevenson fumbled another three times. He eventually ended the season with seven fumbles, matching the number of touchdowns he scored that year.

During the offseason, Stevenson’s name came up in trade conversations after the rookie, TreVeyon Henderson was selected early in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.

The franchise is under new management with head coach Mike Vrabel, but the problems protecting the football remain the same.

Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled twice on just four carries, including one that was a matter of inches short of the goal line, turning the football over to the Steelers before he could break the plane.

To add insult to injury, Antonio Gibson also fumbled on the day, and the Patriots had a total of four fumbles lost in the brutal loss.

Rhamondre Stevenson signed a four-year, $36 million extension in 2024, and the Patriots are still trying to make it work.

Fans have wondered why Henderson hasn’t been getting more touches so far this season, especially given his reputation when it comes to ball security.

One fan said: “It’s genuinely ridiculous at this point. You drafted a RB 38th overall, who has been completely fumble proof throughout his college career. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson have combined for 3 fumbles today and you refuse to play him.”

Rhamondre Stevenson didn’t see the field again after his second fumble, and TreVeyon Henderson ended the game with 11 rushes for 28 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per carry.

Patriots may prepare for TreVeyon Henderson to start next week after Rhamondre Stevenson’s latest errors

Many were expecting TreVeyon Henderson to contend with both Stevenson and Gibson as early as Week 1, having been a four year starter in college with a great reputation as a very intelligent football player.

He also came out of college being lauded as a generational pass blocking back, which suggested he could be an every-down back for New England.

The running back took his first-ever touch in the preseason for an incredible kick-return touchdown, but so far in the regular season, his touches have been relatively limited.

That may now change if the rookie is trusted to take care of the football, and Rhamondre Stevenson’s future with the franchise could be in jeopardy if he loses his job as the starter.