Rhamondre Stevenson picked the perfect time to deliver one of his best performances of the season - and maybe the most important of his career so far. The Patriots’ fifth-year running back was the steady hand and explosive spark New England needed to get past the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round, piling up 128 total yards (53 rushing, 75 receiving) to lead the team in both categories.
In a game where the Patriots couldn’t count on big plays through the air, Stevenson became the focal point of the offense - and he delivered.
Stevenson Sets the Tone Early
The Chargers came into the matchup with a defense built to limit explosive plays, particularly through the air. That made life tougher for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, whose deep-ball accuracy has been one of his calling cards all season. So the Patriots had to pivot, and they leaned on their backfield to carry the load.
Enter Stevenson.
He didn’t just show up - he took over. His 48-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter wasn’t just a highlight; it was a statement.
That play marked the longest postseason reception by a Patriots running back in franchise history, and it set the tone for what would be a career-defining performance. Only one other Patriots back - Rex Burkhead in Super Bowl LII - has ever had a 40-plus-yard reception in the playoffs.
That’s the kind of company Stevenson joined with that play.
And it wasn’t just about one moment. Stevenson consistently picked up tough yards, moved the chains, and gave the Patriots offense the balance it needed to keep the Chargers guessing. No other running back in the game, on either team, matched his production on the ground or through the air.
A Turnaround That’s Been Brewing
What makes Stevenson’s Wild Card performance even more impressive is how far he’s come since the start of the season. Early on, ball security was a concern - he fumbled three times in the Patriots’ first five games. But instead of letting that define his year, Stevenson turned it around in a big way.
Over the final five games of the regular season, he averaged 98 scrimmage yards per game and scored six total touchdowns. That stretch included a monster outing in the season finale against the Jets, where he ripped off 131 rushing yards and two scores on just seven carries - including a 53-yard burst - and added another touchdown through the air.
That performance earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors and put him in rare company. Only four other players in Patriots history have ever racked up 150+ scrimmage yards and three touchdowns in a single game.
Looking Ahead: Stevenson’s Role Against Houston
Now, with a Divisional Round matchup against the top-ranked Houston Texans defense looming, Stevenson’s role becomes even more critical.
The Texans boast a ferocious front, headlined by Pro Bowl edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. They’ve been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all season, and that’s not going to change now. For the Patriots to give Maye the time and space he needs to operate, they’ll have to keep that pass rush honest - and that starts with the run game.
That’s where Stevenson comes in. His ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles, create mismatches as a receiver out of the backfield, and break off chunk plays could be the key to unlocking the Patriots’ offense against a defense that doesn’t give up much.
If Stevenson can replicate the impact he had against the Chargers, the Patriots will be in a much better position to pull off another playoff win. He’s not just a complementary piece anymore - he’s a central figure in New England’s postseason game plan.
And based on the way he’s been playing down the stretch, he looks more than ready for the moment.