Patriots mailbag: How to handle Rhamondre Stevenson, DeMario Douglas
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 9:00 am
Patriots Mailbag: Assessing Key Players and Future Prospects
Following a Week 3 loss to the Steelers, the New England Patriots face scrutiny regarding player performance and strategic decisions. The team's mailbag reveals fan concerns and potential solutions for key players.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who lost two fumbles in the recent game, is a focal point of debate. While some fans call for his release, others acknowledge his value as a pass-blocking back and his contribution to the team's sole victory this season. The discussion centers on whether to reduce Stevenson's workload, potentially giving more opportunities to rookie TreVeyon Henderson and veteran Antonio Gibson. The possibility of adding a running back from another team's practice squad is also considered.
Wide receiver DeMario Douglas is another player under the spotlight. His performance, including running backward on a crucial fourth-and-1 reception, has led to calls for a reduction in his playing time. The team has depth at the wide receiver position, with options like Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Stefon Diggs, and Kyle Williams available. The possibility of activating Efton Chism, who has been a healthy scratch, is also discussed.
The mailbag also addresses the team's upcoming schedule. While the Patriots are favored against the Panthers, the outlook for the next six games is uncertain. The team's ability to secure wins against the Saints, Titans, Browns, and Falcons hinges on their performance against the Panthers.
Quarterback Drake Maye's performance is also a topic of discussion, with fans questioning his role in the team's losses. Maye's turnover rate is highlighted as an area needing improvement.
Finally, the offensive line's performance is assessed. While the unit has shown some improvement, the performance of Jared Wilson and Will Campbell is noted.
BNN's Perspective: The Patriots face a critical juncture. Addressing the issues with turnovers and player performance is crucial for the team's success. While patience is needed with young players like Maye, the team must make strategic adjustments to maximize its potential.
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