“I’m super hard on myself,” Stevenson told ESPN’s Mike Reiss on Wednesday. “I’m more disappointed in myself than anyone could ever be. It’s very simple: I just have to hold on to the ball and have the mentality to come up with the ball every time. My job is to do that do it and that’s what I did.” I didn’t do a good job.”

Stevenson, who signed a four-year, $36 million extension this offseason, has been one of New England’s most consistent weapons over the past three seasons. He earned the starting job after a breakout campaign in 2022 in which he gained 1,040 yards in just seven starts (5.0 YPC). Before that, the last Patriots RB to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark came in 2016 (LeGarrette Blount).

In 2024, Stevenson has gained 267 rushing yards on 65 carries (4.1 YPC) with two touchdowns.

Antonio Gibson expects to get a chance to see more details in the aftermath of Stevenson’s benching. The veteran has gained 155 rushing yards on 29 carries (5.3 YPC), while also gaining 82 yards on seven receptions. Most importantly, Gibson hasn’t coughed up the ball in his 36 touches.

Riding a three-game losing streak, New England (1-3) faces a Dolphins (1-3) team that is also looking to snap a three-game skid. In a game with two difficult fouls, protecting the ball will be of utmost importance. Mayo’s shake-up hopes to not only break a trend but also send a message to his team.