Patriots RB Runs Wild in Win Over Dolphins

The first week wasn't the best performance from Rhamondre Stevenson and the rest of the New England Patriots running backs. One Sunday later, the fifth-year rusher flipped the script.

Stevenson ran like a madman against the Miami Dolphins, carrying the ball 11 times for 54 yards. Once the team reverted to the passing game, Stevenson still excelled. He was targeted five times, catching all five passes and being on the backend of one of the biggest plays of the game.

In the second half, Stevenson took a wheel route from Drake Maye and rumbled 55 yards down to field to set himself up deep into Dolphins territory. The long play, which resulted in the longest passing play of Maye's young career, was the precursor for Maye's eventual rushing score.

"It was a dog fight," Stevenson said postgame. "We went in knowing it was going to be. It's just being relentless, playing four quarters and coming out with the dub is huge for us."

The rushing attack was minimal in the Patriots' loss to Las Vegas last week. It was hard for Stevenson to get situated with the ball in his hands. Once it does happen, like it did in Miami, good things happen.

"He's athletic with the ball in his hands. He makes good catches. He drops, steps, and goes. He turns second-and-15 into third-and-3, and those are critical when you can do that and not end up in third-and-8," head coach Mike Vrabel said about his running back. "Excited for him. Just really excited that he could have a real impact on this football game for us throughout the entire day."

It wasn't just Stevenson. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson ran well, and veteran Antonio Gibson changed the complexion with his game-winning kick return touchdown. It was Stevenson's ground and pound running that mowed down the depleted defensive line of the Dolphins.