Things you don't know about Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson - ESPN

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — This isn't a matchup Rhamondre Stevenson is supposed to win. Not even close.

Aligned to quarterback Drake Maye's left and 2 yards in front of him, the New England Patriots running back has both hands on his thighs as he peers into the B-gap between left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Walter Rouse.

New York Jets linebacker Demario Davis is in an attacking stance at the line of scrimmage, the 28-yard line. As the ball is snapped on third-and-6, Davis turns suddenly to plow into the side of Campbell. He is trying to create a clear path for edge rusher Will McDonald IV, who is looping behind him from his wide alignment, to get to Maye.

Except ...

The 6-foot, 227-pound Stevenson makes initial contact with Davis with a two-handed shove, slides to his right and then drives his hands into the chest of the 6-4, 245-pound McDonald. This stops McDonald's path toward Maye. And with plenty of time in the pocket, Maye completes a 39-yard pass downfield to receiver DeMario «Pop» Douglas.

This play from last Sunday's home win exemplifies what Stevenson means to the Patriots. He is one of the NFL's best running backs in pass protection, endearing himself to teammates as a quiet presence who is willing to do anything to help his team when he doesn't have the football in his grasp.

«He's somebody I feel very strongly about and have since we drafted him [in 2021]. Great human being, high character. Very unselfish,» offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said of Stevenson. «Need him to carry it 24 times? He'll carry it 24 times. Need him to block 16 blitzes? He'll block 16 blitzes. Need him to catch 10 passes? He'll catch 10 passes. Whatever we ask him is what he'll embrace with a great attitude and mindset. Very