The New England Patriots’ 2024 season has taken a sharp turn from promising to frustrating. After a shocking win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, the team has since lost its last three games, and hope for a competitive season is fading fast. Injuries have plagued the roster, and now, performance issues are making the situation even worse.
One of the biggest blows has been the struggles of Rhamondre Stevenson, who has been the Patriots’ go-to running back. Stevenson’s season has been marred by a costly issue—his inability to hang onto the football. The 2024 campaign has seen him lose a fumble in each of the first four games, a disastrous trend that has resulted in his demotion ahead of Week 5. As Jerod Mayo confirmed via Field Yates on X (formerly Twitter), Stevenson’s fumble problems have officially cost him the starting job.
After showing flashes of brilliance in the past, Stevenson’s fall from grace has been swift. While it’s undeniable that the Patriots’ offensive line has struggled—widely considered one of the weakest units in the league—Stevenson’s inability to protect the football is a critical issue that can’t be ignored.
Enter Antonio Gibson, the former Washington Commanders standout, who now has the chance to step up as the new starter. Known for his dual-threat abilities, both on the ground and as a pass-catcher, Gibson could be the spark the Patriots desperately need. With Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo searching for answers, they’ll be hoping Gibson can inject life into an offense that has looked uninspired in recent weeks.
While Gibson showed flashes of brilliance during his time in Washington, the Patriots’ offense is in such dire need of a change that he’ll need to perform immediately. With the team already on a three-game skid, can Gibson’s versatility help New England reclaim some offensive identity and provide the boost they need?
The Patriots’ running game is now at a crossroads. The demotion of Stevenson could be the wake-up call he needs, but for now, all eyes are on Gibson as the team hopes he can carry the load and help dig them out of their early-season slump. Whether this shake-up can lead to a turnaround remains to be seen, but New England is clearly looking for answers—and fast.
