How TreVeyon Henderson has quietly turned his season around

The 2025 NFL season has been a rollercoaster for New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson. Drafted in the second round, expectations ran high as he was poised to be a dynamic contribution to the team’s offensive lineup. Henderson’s preseason performance hinted at a bright future, marked by an impressive 7.1 yards per carry in limited attempts and an electrifying 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on his first NFL touch. However, his regular-season contributions have not matched the preseason hype.

Throughout the early weeks of the season, Henderson struggled to make a significant impact. His playing time averaged at just 37% of offensive snaps, and he often found himself overshadowed by fellow running back Rhamondre Stevenson. With 67 carries for 283 yards and a single touchdown, along with 20 receptions for 131 yards, his statistics did not reflect the explosive potential many anticipated.

One primary area of concern was Henderson’s pass protection. He faced criticism from both fans and coaching staff alike due to allowing seven pressures on just 21 pass-blocking snaps, a disturbing trend that pointed to issues in his preparedness for the rigors of NFL play.

From Weeks 1 to 7, Henderson averaged a paltry 3.6 yards per carry, ranking him 33rd among running backs with over 50 carries during that span. His struggles were compounded by a lack of offensive rhythm, indicated by his inability to generate explosive plays or contribute positively when rushing between the tackles.

However, recent weeks have told a different story. Henderson seems to have experienced a turnaround in form during Weeks 8 and 9, showcasing newfound vigor and adaptability on the field. His performance improved significantly, highlighted by a total of 130 yards on 24 carries across two games. His yards-per-carry average climbed to an encouraging 5.4, a marked improvement that signals the potential for sustained success.

This resurgence can be attributed to strategic adjustments by the Patriots coaching staff. In earlier games, Henderson’s rushing attempts primarily came from inside the tackles, where he had little success. Conversely, in the past couple of weeks, there has been a deliberate effort to utilize his speed and agility in outside runs, particularly through toss plays. This approach has not only allowed Henderson to leverage his strengths but has also contributed to a more productive offensive line.

Moreover, the statistics paint an encouraging picture: his yards before contact average improved from 1.16 to 2.04 yards, while his yards after contact skyrocketed from 2.40 to 3.38 yards, indicating an enhanced ability to evade tackles and make meaningful gains. Furthermore, Henderson’s capacity for explosive plays has risen as well, as he now completes over 45% of his carries for five or more yards, a significant leap from previous weeks.

In his role as a starter in Week 9, Henderson not only performed in the running game but also made strides in the passing department. He set or tied season highs in targets (six) and receiving yards (32), showing that he has the potential to be a well-rounded asset for the Patriots’ offense. This versatility will be crucial moving forward, especially as he anticipates potential further opportunities in the starting position.

Looking ahead, Henderson could very well secure another prominent role against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Especially with Stevenson recovering from an injury, consistent playing time could allow him to build on the momentum he has created in the last few games.

To maximize Henderson’s effectiveness, the Patriots need to maintain their focus on creating plays that get him into space, giving him the opportunity to utilize his speed while also improving his awareness and execution in pass protection. If Henderson can sustain his recent performances and further finesse his skills in blocking situations, he may cement himself as a fundamental piece of the Patriots’ backfield strategy.

In summary, TreVeyon Henderson’s early struggles in the 2025 NFL season seem behind him. His recent performance serves not only as a personal achievement but also offers promise for the Patriots’ future offensive schemes. If he continues to evolve as a player and translates these adjustments into consistent game-day success, he could very well rewrite the narrative of his rookie season, establishing himself as a vital component of the Patriots’ future.

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