Did the Patriots tip their offensive direction in 2024?

Nov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) runs the ball during the second half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN analyst Herm Edwards offered his thoughts on Rhamondre Stevenson’s contract extension last week. In doing so, he may have given a preview of what the organization’s offense could become.

Stevenson signed a four-year, $36 million extension, which means he'll remain the top running back for the team for the foreseeable future. It's a future that could lean heavily on the rushing attack.

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt comes from a Cleveland Browns offense with run-heavy schemes. So it would make sense if he'd want to bring that to New England.

"This offense is gonna run through the running back." Edwards said on NFL Live. "This is going to be one of those grind-out offenses where we’re going to hammer the ball, set up the play-action pass. We’re not going to turn the ball over. We’re going to play good defense.

"Does that sound kind of familiar when Tom Brady was the quarterback there early in his career, before he became Captain America?"

Stevenson carried the ball 156 times for 619 yards and four touchdowns last season. Injuries hampered his 2023 production, but it was clear he was still New England’s top option, even with Ezekiel Elliott on the team.

Van Pelt should be able to provide a style of offense that could work in Stevenson’s favor with an increase in production. A strong running game with creative schemes could ultimately open up the passing offense as well.

In a way, it would be back to the basics for New England. Like Edwards said, this is a similar approach to the type of offense the Patriots ran with Brady early in his career.

It's a wise path to take in a situation that could eventually introduce a rookie quarterback as a starter. Relying on the running game and trusting in an already stout defense could lead to early success for the team.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Did the Patriots tip their offensive direction in 2024?