After getting drafted by the New England Patriots as a third-round selection in the 2019 draft, the veteran running back Damien Harris witnessed limited run as a rookie, however, he didn’t halt back from inking his name as a formidable force in the offense in 2020 and 2021, albeit he would be seen donning the Buffalo Bills’ jersey due to his recent contract.
With Damien‘s departure from the team, the Patriots’ other young running back Rhamondre Stevenson expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to step up and fill the void with other competition like James Robinson, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong, and Kevin Harris on his way.
Why has Damien Harris left the Patriots?
After four years of tenure in New England, Harris joined the Buffalo Bills in free agency by signing a one-year contract to move to join his Patriots AFC rivals.
The RB’s break-up with the Patriots was not a surprising move as after his entry to the open market in the initial week of March, the team brought fellow RB James Robinson in on a two-year deal, hence, New England picking a new member keeping their former member unsigned was a clear message of their intention.
Besides that, the 26-year-old had to battle with injuries constantly and meanwhile, Rhamondre established himself as a hero to take over his place to become the Patriots’ next RB1.
Rhamondre Stevenson’s bold announcement
Stevenson opened up to the reporters after the Patriots’ OTA session on Tuesday and showcased an air of self-confidence, teasing his readiness to take on a more prominent role and claiming himself as the potential weapon to moonlight as the Patriots RB1.
“Damien is out of here now, so I’m kind of the guy. I’m just trying to make sure I’m ready for the end of the season this year,” he said.
While the third-year back recognizes the challenges that lie ahead, he seems to remain unfazed, emphasizing his plan of focusing on consistency and being proactive.
“I’d just say the same thing I was doing, just more consistency. Just doing the same thing every day, just taking care of my body and just trying to be proactive,” he added.
Following an incredible season with 1,040 rushing yards, he looks all set to take on a heavier workload as well as the leadership quotient to become the unquestioned leader of New England’s RB group in the absence of Harris.
“That’s what’s being asked of me right now. I’m trying to take that step. It’s still early, but I’m trying to take that step to be a leader,” he stated.
The team has two more OTA sessions scheduled on Thursday and Friday as well as the Minicamp is going to start from June 12 to June 14, hence, the 25-year-old knows that he should be ready to embrace the challenge that lies ahead.
“It’s a mental challenge. Just because it’s June and football is a couple months away, but you’ve just got to lock in. We love the sport, so I don’t think it’s too bad, honestly,” he further added.
It is often quite easy to talk the talk while walking the walk is an entirely different story. Stevenson seems quite confident to face the challenges that may come his way but he should be careful not to bite off more responsibilities than he can chew.
