Patriots RB coach Ivan Fears pumps up Rhamondre Stevenson

Running backs coach Ivan Fears will decide the best way to try and make up for the loss of James White, starting with Sunday night’s game against Tampa Bay.

White, a team captain, third down back, and trusted pass protector in blitz pickup, is expected to be out indefinitely with a hip injury.

Brandon Bolden had the lion’s share of snaps after White departed in the first quarter against the Saints.

Fears made it sound like the backs would collectively take over elements of the role, and “share in replacing James White’s duties.”

By the sound of it, rookie Rhamondre Stevenson, who has been a healthy scratch the past two weeks, could be part of the solution.

Fears likes how Stevenson has progressed, after seemingly being put in the dog house after fumbling in the first game.

“He has made big improvements on the stuff we asked him to make improvements on, and we’re kind of happy with him,” said Fears. “So we’re kind of excited to see if he can pick up a new role here. Maybe he can pick up some of the stuff James was doing. We’ll throw it at him this week and see what sticks at practice. See what he can handle.”

The rookie third round pick has quickly made a believer out of Fears.

“As I look at it, he’s got the skill. He’s going to be a hell of a football player in this league,” he said. “We had to get him right. We had to get him to understand the entire game and everything that goes with it. And he’s made great strides in that area, he really has. I’m kind of happy with the kid, I really am.”

Fear also indicated J.J. Taylor would be part of the mix.

With James not in there, we’ll actually see what he can do more of. Everybody’s going to have to have a piece of the role, and step their game up a little bit. I think J.J.’s one of the guys we have to take a look at.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/39KrNPd