The Patriots signed Rhamondre Stevenson to a contract extension because they regarded him as one of their best players. They’ve had trouble depending on him in a lost season.

When the New England Patriots signed Rhamondre Stevenson to a four-year, $36 million contract extension in June, they made their intentions clear. The team under the new leadership of Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf viewed the young running back as a key piece of its offense moving forward.

Stevenson powered his way through tackles and rumbled into the end zone from 14 yards out for the score. The drive itself took nine plays, 91 yards and 9:57 off the clock. It was Stevenson’s seventh rushing touchdown of the season.