Through two preseason games, the New England Patriots finally look like a competent team again. The last two years were torture for Patriots fans, as the team won a combined eight games.
Now, with Mike Vrabel at the helm, Josh McDaniels running the offense, and numerous big-name additions, excitement hasn't been this high for Patriots' football since 2021, which is the last time they've made the playoffs.
Hopefully, all these new pieces, combined with the core players, can make a run at the playoffs this season. If they’re going to make the playoffs this season, the Patriots need to be patient with Hunter Henry, who’s been quiet throughout the preseason.
Patriots Must Be Patient with Hunter Henry
Since signing with the Patriots in 2021, Hunter Henry has been a vital piece to the Patriots’ offense. Even with the numerous quarterbacks that the Patriots had throughout Henry’s four-year tenure, he’s consistently been a safety blanket for them to rely on.
He quickly became Drake Maye’s favorite target last year, recording career-highs in both receptions (66) in receiving yards (674). Despite the Patriots adding Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams to the mix of pass-catchers, Henry is still expected to be the guy Maye looks to.
However, Henry’s name hasn’t been mentioned much in training camp. While he caught two passes in Monday’s practice and a touchdown in the joint practice with the Commanders, Henry has yet to have a standout day at camp.
#Patriots TE Hunter Henry isn’t being talked about enough — Henry has been a consistent target for Drake Maye specifically in the red zone.
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 7, 2025
The veteran tight end could be in a for a career year with Josh McDaniels calling the plays.
(🎥 @RotoStreetWolf)pic.twitter.com/mf9AxnzAKg
He did suffer an undisclosed injury in last week’s practice, and the Patriots may want to be cautious with him. This precaution withheld Henry from playing in their preseason game against the Vikings on Saturday.
This is understandable, considering Henry will turn 31 in December and will be heavily relied on in the red zone this season now that McDaniels is back. In Henry’s lone season with McDaniels as coordinator, he recorded a career-high in touchdowns (nine), becoming the go-to guy in the red zone.
Now that the pair are reunited, let’s hope that we’ll see more drives ending with Henry spiking the ball in the endzone.