In addition to rushing for a team-leading 71 yards in the Sunday’s win over the Jets, Stevenson was the team’s leading receiver with seven catches for 72 yards. He has 32 receptions on 37 targets for an 86.5% catch rate — a rarity for a 230-plus-pound back. He leads New England in rushing yards with 558, 10th in the NFL.

Stevenson is being rewarded for his play. He played 203 offensive snaps in the past four games after getting 129 in the first four. 

Damien Harris had 15 rushing touchdowns for the Patriots in 2021, which doesn’t usually earn you more time on the bench the following year. Although Harris saw his highest workload of the season Sunday against the Jets (32 snaps), Stevenson still commands the backfield, especially in the passing game. 

Belichick was complimentary of Stevenson’s work ethic in the post-game news conference, attributing his progress to Stevenson’s practice habits and attention to detail. 

New England hasn’t had a feature back since Corey Dillon rushed for 1,635 yards in 2004.

The Patriots’ backfield remains a committee, but Stevenson is proving he could be a true workhouse when the time comes.