Rhamondre Stevenson had a strong afternoon running the ball in Arizona. But it was another part of the Patriots running back’s game that drew praise from radio personality Scott Zolak — pass protection.
Stevenson ran the ball 16 times for 69 yards during Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals. But after the game, it was Stevenson’s impressive blitz pickups that were a focal point of the Patriot radio color commentator. Zolak, a former quarterback in New England, is also the co-host of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand” show.
Stevenson agreed with Zolak’s point that his pass protection has improved over the years. The fourth-year running pack said he has Patriots legend James White to thank for that.
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“I’ve been working on it a lot. You guys probably hear me say this all the time, I watched a lot of James White film,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson was teammates with White during his first year in the NFL in 2021. White, who scored the game-winning touchdown to cap off the famous Super Bowl LI comeback win, is remembered as being a clutch third-down back who excelled as a receiver and a blocker.
White played just three games alongside Stevenson in 2021 before sustaining a devastating hip injury. Even so, the Super Bowl hero had a big impact on Stevenson early in his career.
“Just watching him and having him around me – as a younger guy, he helped me out a lot,” Stevenson said. “I think it’s showing on tape this year.”
Over his eight seasons in New England, White rocketed up the Patriots’ list of all-time leaders in receptions. He ranks eighth in franchise history, in front of receiver Irving Fryar and behind Kevin Faulk, another iconic third-down back in New England.
At 6-foot-0, 227 pounds, Stevenson is known for being a powerful runner. However, he’s proven to be adept in the passing game as well. He’s caught 152 passes in his Patriots career, which ranks 36th in franchise history.
