Patriots Coach Believes This Star Player ‘Has Target On His Back’

A bad habit has resurfaced for one of the Patriots' most important players.

New England will need to run the ball well if it wants to win games this season, and that initiative is spearheaded by Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson found the end zone in two of the Patriots' first three games, but he also put the football on the ground in New England's opening trio of contests.

Stevenson sternly took ownership of his fumbling issues after the Patriots' woeful Thursday night loss to the New York Jets. The problem also was bluntly addressed by offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

"Job security is ball security and now he has a target on his back," Van Pelt told reporters, per ESPN. "Teams are going to see that and they're going to come after the football. I know he'll address it. I know he's proud about (being secure with the ball) and he'll be better because of it."

Stevenson will be challenged to fix his ball security in Week 4 when the Patriots visit the San Francisco 49ers, who were tied for the NFL lead in forced fumbles through two weeks. He also will need to hold his own in the blocking game, as New England couldn't stop a nosebleed Thursday night in the Meadowlands.