FOXBOROUGH – If it feels like we’ve been talking about the uncertainty of the O-line and QB position for a while now, it’s because we have.
This is Year 5 of the post-Brady era and those two questions still remain the biggest lingering over the new-look Patriots. However, one place where the Pats may actually be better than we thought is at running back.
Despite the questions surrounding who’s going to play where up front, the team has surprisingly been running the ball pretty well on a daily basis in training camp with a new outside zone scheme – yes, the same one they tried to implement a couple years ago that turned into an absolute debacle.
Holes have been plentiful and the backs have been hitting them hard and showing some explosiveness.
After signing his new deal this offseason, Rhamondre Stevenson seems to have an extra bounce in his step so far and was all smiles when meeting with the media after Day 6 of training camp on Tuesday.
“Still working on our tracks and just working on getting that chemistry between the running backs and the O-line,” he said after practice when asked what he’s learned about the run game after two days in pads. “I feel like the O-line is doing a great job of just taking what they learn from shirts and shorts. You know, putting it all together.
“It’s a work in progress. Day 2, like we just said, but I like how it’s looking. O-line is working very hard. Running backs are one-cut and trying to get downhill. It’s looking good so far.”
While the running game has looked good at times, it’s by no means a perfect product yet. Actually, far from it. The defense has had plenty of stuffs on its side as well. But, if New England’s offense is going to dig itself out of the brutal rut we’ve all witnessed over the last two years – especially with Jacoby Brissett most likely starting Day 1 – the running game is going to be a huge component. Stevenson talked about still needing to clean things up, but also having confidence in the room.
New faces JaMycal Hasty and Antonio Gibson have shown some positive signs, but it’s been one guy in particular that’s entering his fourth year in the league that’s been the most impressive.
Kevin Harris has ran hard, made guys miss and just been a solid all around No. 2 behind Stevenson so far, getting plenty of action. After seeing little playing time so far in his career, the Patriots absolutely need someone to step up and take some of the load off of Stevenson, Harris appears to be that guy early on.
I asked Stevenson what he’s seen from No. 36 so far and if there’s been clear growth from the 5’10,” 225lb. bowling ball of a back.
“Kevin Harris tryna turn up,” he said with a big smile. “I like that out of him. He’s getting his pads lower. That was one of his emphasis’, get better on getting low, running through the line. He’s got some pretty good cuts. His speed’s looking alright, so, yeah. I’m excited for him.
“Of course (there’s been growth), yeah. Expeditiously.”
It feels like an all-hands-on-deck scenario for the offense this season. This team needs as many guys making plays as humanly possible. Rhamondre Stevenson is now the workhorse for this team, but that RB room is going to have to step up from a production level this season. Gibson and Hasty have both shown flashes in the passing game, as Stevenson said on Tuesday, the Patriots must be able to run the ball.
“We need to run the ball, stop the run and cover kicks. That’s tough football,” he stated.
Unfortunately, we haven’t seen any real red zone heavy run periods and we’ve seen zero goal line work to this point. Still, through six days, the current 1-2 running back punch for New England appears to be Stevenson and Harris.
No matter what grouping is up front or which QB is under center, if the backs can take some of the burden off an unproven wide receiver room when it comes to racking up chunk plays and scoring points – which seems plausible early on – this year might be more entertaining than we all anticipated.