For the first time since the 2019 season, the New England Patriots have beaten the Dolphins in Miami, winning a tight battle, 33-27. One of the main reasons they won the game is that they emphasized running the football, and they were effective in doing so, running the ball 29 times for 122 yards.
The running backs were crucial in the win, as Rhamondre Stevenson was productive in both the run and pass, while Antonio Gibson responded to the Dolphins’ special teams touchdown with a 90-yard kickoff touchdown. While those two had great games, rookie tailback TreVeyon Henderson showed his inexperience, as he floundered in his second game.
TreVeyon Henderson Draws 3 Penalties in Patriots' Week 2 Win
Although the Patriots were able to pull away with a win on Sunday, they continued to make numerous mistakes that they must cut down on. The Patriots had nine penalties in their loss to the Raiders and had 11 penalties on Sunday.
Of their 11 penalties, Henderson had three of them, all of which were holding. These mistakes by Henderson may have hindered his playing time towards the end of the game, as he only appeared in 19 snaps.
Henderson was regarded as one of the best pass blockers in his class, having two seasons where he received a 70 or more pass block grade per PFF. However, that success has yet to translate to the pros, as Henderson’s disappointing start continues.
Patriots' second-round pick was expected to make an immediate impact for the team after his emergence in training camp and preseason. He generated buzz among Patriots fans by displaying his explosiveness and playmaking ability on his very first play, where he took a kickoff return for a touchdown in the preseason game against the Commanders.
Henderson ended the preseason recording five carries for 56 rushing yards, three catches for 12 yards, and one touchdown. While many thought he’d become the lead tailback, the Patriots have opted to utilize their depth at running back by having a split backfield.
So far, it hasn’t worked in Henderson’s favor, as he’s combined for eight carries for 37 rushing yards and six receptions for 24 yards. In two games, he’s only managed to appear in 44 snaps, seeing a decreased snap count from last week.
Because of Henderson’s inexperience and failure to make any standout plays, the Patriots have leaned on Stevenson and Gibson. Henderson must make the most of his limited playing time and improve in the coming weeks, or else he’ll continue to be the third-string running back.