Bill Belichick doesn’t just like Rhamondre Stevenson, he loves him. And that’s not just some tongue-in-cheek bouquet for a special teamer. He literally said it.

“He is a good all-around back. Love him. Love him,” Belichick said of Stevenson, as he concluded an answer in his press conference after the Patriots’ win over the Lions in October.

Belichick, and all Patriots fans, have plenty of reason to love Stevenson and what he’s brought to the team so far in 2022. Through eight weeks, he’s seventh among all running backs with 775 total yards from scrimmage. He’s also fourth in average rushing yards after contact with 2.7, and breaks a tackle at the highest rate in football, with one for every 7.1 carries (via Pro Football Reference).

Stevenson was informed of Belichick’s love for him by Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald during his Thursday media availability. Safe to say that made him happy. It made him return the favor, too.

“I feel like there’s that chemistry between us, and he knows I’m gonna come in here and just work hard, and I think he just respects that, and I respect him,” Stevenson said Thursday. “He’s a great coach, Hall of Fame coach.

“And, yeah … I love him too.”

Lots of laughs and smiles after that one.

Rhamondre Stevenson carries the ball against the Detroit Lions. (Syndication: Providence Journal)

Stevenson’s performance has been amplified in light of the fact that he’s had to assume a huge workload amid injury issues for Damien Harris. Belichick doesn’t seem comfortable upping the snaps for rookies Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris just yet.

So it’s been the Stevenson show, and he’s delivered every week. He shows up to work, does the proverbial job, and does it at a high level. What’s not to love about that for a football coach?

No shock whatsoever that Belichick loves this kid. They are perfect for each other.

The Patriots and Colts kick off on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium. Stevenson figures to see a lot of snaps and touches again. We’ll keep you covered here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.