Josh McDaniels Praises Patriots Veteran After Week 18 Honor

The 2025 regular season ended on a redemptive note for one key New England Patriots contributor.

Rhamondre Stevenson faced scrutiny after tallying 157 combined rushing yards through the season’s first six games, fumbling twice in a Week 3 loss and once more in Week 5. The running back curtailed those ball-security issues and flourished down the stretch, scoring six touchdowns in the final three games.

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels praised Stevenson’s resiliency during Thursday’s press conference.

“It’s a great example for any young player,” McDaniels said. “I hope they’re paying attention because it’s hard to go through a season in the NFL and not deal with some personal adversity, on or off the field. But then you have to be a professional. Do your job. Improve in that area. And then eventually, you’re gonna get on the other side of that.”

Stevenson was named Offensive Player of the Week after culminating the regular season with 153 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. McDaniels was overjoyed to see the five-year pro honored for his dominant performance.

“We’re all super happy and excited whenever ‘Mondre does anything well because he’s so well thought of, obviously, here,” McDaniels said. “It was great to see him get recognized last week.”

Rough start aside, Stevenson finished the season with 948 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on a career-high 5.9 yards per touch and 2.8 yards after contact per rush. The 27-year-old has formed a dangerous backfield duo alongside TreVeyon Henderson, who amassed 1,132 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie.

The Patriots will look for big games out of Stevenson and Henderson when they play the Los Angeles Chargers in a first-round playoff matchup this Sunday night.