Stevenson fumbles again as Patriots beat Bills 23-20

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. Rhamondre Stevenson lost the ball on a reception early Sunday night, his third fumble of the season, but finished the game with two touchdowns as the New England Patriots rallied to beat the Buffalo Bills 23-20. The sequence underscored a persistent ball security problem for the veteran running back even as the team continued to rely on him in a tightly contested divisional matchup.

The turnover occurred one play after New England recovered a Buffalo miscue. Quarterback Drake Maye completed a short pass to Stevenson for seven yards before Bills linebacker Shaq Thompson punched the ball loose and Buffalo recovered at its own 38. Stevenson’s lost fumble was his third in five games and his 10th over 20 contests dating to last season. Antonio Gibson also fumbled later in the first half, though that play did not result in a turnover.

Stevenson returned to the lineup after the early mistake and converted key short-yardage opportunities, scoring on runs of four and five yards in the second half. He finished with seven carries for 14 yards, two rushing touchdowns and two receptions for 13 yards. Gibson, who took over some early rushing duties, left in the second...