No matter who the Patriots quarterback is this season, their job may be a lot easier.

Not because of the wide receivers or tight ends they signed and not just because of their outstanding offensive line, but because this group of running backs may be one of the best in the NFL and it was on display Thursday night.

Led by rookie Rhamondre Stevenson (127 yards, 2 TD’s, one for 91 yards) the entire group showed their worth in the 22-13 win over Washington. Stevenson did all of his damage late, but Damien Harris (4/17), Sony Michel (6/26) and JJ Taylor (2/10) all ran hard every time they touched the ball. Taylor and James White also combined for seven receptions and 53 yards.

Throughout camp, the Patriots have worked on the running game quite a bit and every single day each back has finished runs, hit holes hard and looked good in almost every situation. Still, it’s hard to tell just how effective the run game will be until you go up against another opponent against a good Washington defense was impressive.

The bond the group is forming has been apparent too, especially with the ensuing celebration after Stevenson’s long TD run at the end of the game.

“Yeah it was definitely a bonding moment. We cheer for one another. We compete with one another during practice, and you definitely want to see all of us go out there and have some success on game day,” said White. “Put all that hard work in during practice, and you go out there and you want to perform. I think everybody, especially the guys in the running back room, today wanted to go out there, execute, pass protect, catch the ball and just do everything we need to do to help the team.”

Stevenson has been impressive as has Taylor when they’ve been given opportunities. As a rookie, Stevenson is still learning, but the veteran White has noticed his willingness to compete.

“I mean today I learned he’s pretty fast. He’s a young guy coming in ready to work. Competing,” said White. “He’s got a lot of talent obviously as you guys can see. I said each week we all just want to continue to progress and get better and learn. Obviously still things that he can learn, and I can learn as myself. I think that’s our job as a group, to push one another to be the best players that we can be.”

There’s little to no chance that all of these guys are on the roster come opening weekend and I believe Sony Michel is the odd man out right now simply because coach Belichick gushed over White’s leadership ability last week and Taylor gives you the punt return element. Still, for the time being, the entire group provides so many different options and is a pleasure to watch.

“I would say each and every one of us can run the ball, catch, block and kind of do whatever coach needs us to do,” White added. “They can call any play with any one of us in the game, and like I said, I was happy for each and every one of those guys that stepped on the field today. Everybody competed, everybody tried to catch the ball, block, run hard. That’s what we need to do to help this team win football games.”