The New England Patriots have emerged as one of the league’s biggest surprises this season with a 6-2 start under second-year quarterback Drake Maye and new head coach Mike Vrabel.
However, the backfield has not matched that success.
Inconsistent production from the running backs has led to speculation about a potential trade before the deadline.
Head coach Josh McDaniels addressed those rumors directly and made his position clear regarding the current roster construction.
“I think we have all the answers we need,” McDaniels said, per WEEI.
.@Meghan_Ottolini asked Josh McDaniels if he feels his offense still needs more help at running back, with the trade deadline on Tuesday:
“We have all the answers we need…Once training camp starts, you don’t count on anything outside of what you have in the locker room…” 🤔 pic.twitter.com/AC9zI2ChtN
— WEEI (@WEEI) October 30, 2025
McDaniels emphasized that once training camp begins, the Patriots focus entirely on developing the players already in their locker room.
He expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to maximize the current group, noting that everyone understands how the offense is designed to function.
McDaniels also identified three specific components that continue to evolve at different rates: the rushing attack, red zone and third-down situations, and the vertical passing game.
None of those areas is a finished product, but he believes the personnel in place can reach the necessary standards.
The Patriots currently rank 18th in rushing with 112.6 yards per game, though that number requires context.
Drake Maye has contributed 250 rushing yards through scrambles, which inflates the total.
Lead back Rhamondre Stevenson has managed just 279 yards while averaging 3.4 yards per carry, a notable decline in efficiency.
Injuries have complicated the situation further heading into Week 9.
Antonio Gibson is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL.
Stevenson has missed two consecutive practices this week due to a toe injury.
That leaves rookie TreVeyon Henderson and recent practice squad addition Terrell Jennings as the only healthy running backs on the active roster.
The Patriots face a difficult decision about their depth at the position despite McDaniels’ stated confidence in the current group.
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