Rhamondre Stevenson has most rushing touchdowns since 2017

Perhaps no player has been better than Rhamondre Stevenson this preseason. Last night, the former Oklahoma running back scored his fifth touchdown, the most in a preseason since 2017.

Of course, Stevenson didn’t have the benefit of a fourth game either, as the NFL went to a three game preseason starting this season. Still, the New England Patriots running back didn’t let that stop him.

His performance has been so impressive, ESPN’s Field Yates even cast his fictitious NFL preseason MVP vote for the running back.

My ballot has been officially cast: Rhamondre Stevenson is your 2021 NFL preseason MVP.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 29, 2021

A fourth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, many expected Stevenson to have a quiet rookie season. However, it’s evident the running back didn’t subscribe to that notion.

Entering a crowded running back room in New England, Stevenson had to find ways to stand-out amongst the group. For his audition, he used the preseason to show how productive he can be.

While many believe the NFL should do away with the preseason, performances like Stevenson’s remind us of why it’s important. In three games, the former Oklahoma running back proved he belongs on the Patriots roster.

Stevenson: Sony Michel trade changes nothing for the rookie

This summer, Stevenson’s breakout in New England has been one of the biggest storylines of the preseason. Evidently, after the trade of Sony Michel, many believe that means Stevenson has officially earned a bigger role this season.

However, the former Oklahoma Sooners running back believes the trade of his counterpart changes nothing for him.

“Honestly I try not to even get into the business side of that or anything,” Stevenson said, via WEEI.com. “I’m here. If he was here, I would still be working as hard as I would work after whatever happened and whatnot.

“So I don’t think that really changes anything for me. I just know that I’ve got to work hard — and I wouldn’t even say harder or anything like that. You gotta work hard and just stay focused on the task at hand.”

Evidently, Stevenson isn’t letting the development of the Michel trade change his work ethic. The rookie running back will continue to push himself, not allowing anything to allow him to be anything less than his best.

In the preseason, Stevenson was an absolute force for New England.

In his debut, he accumulated 127 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries. Afterwards, he followed up his impressive game with another, rushing for 66 yards and two touchdowns the following week.

He finished the three game set by scoring his fifth touchdown in a five carry, 23-yard performance against the New York Giants.

While the former Oklahoma running back likely won’t unseat Damien Harris as the team’s starter, Stevenson’s performance has inspired enough confidence to make him the primary backup.