With 2 Long TD Runs, Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson Finally Has Breakout Moment

TAMPA, Fla. — When Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had just 22 yards on six carries at halftime of Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers, veteran receiver Stefon Diggs made the conscious decision to poke the bear.Diggs admitted that he had been “talking mad crap” to Henderson at halftime. “I am definitely harsh on TreVeyon because I see such potential. “One guy is tackling you. I’ve seen some great running backs during my career and I told him that great running backs do not get tackled.” I want to watch you score.Henderson was the one who got the message. The Patriots won 28-23, in large part because Henderson set the example. Henderson ran 55 yards untouched in the first minute of the second-half. Henderson scored a 69 yard touchdown in the Patriots seventh consecutive win, while the Bucs were trying to rally.”He keeps us motivated.” Henderson, who finished with 147 yard said: “He really does.” He’s a fantastic leader on the field. He makes all the boys go. He keeps me going.”That big play potential is why the Patriots picked him up in the second round from Ohio State. But it was a quiet beginning to his NFL life.” In his limited first seven games he totaled 153 yards rushing and one touchdown. But injuries to Rhamondre Steveson and Antonio Gibson led him to a more prominent role. In Week 8, he rushed for 75 yard in a win over the Browns. He then posted 87 total yards during a tight win against the Falcons. But none of those performances were close to his breakout performance on Sunday.Henderson said, “This NFL season has been full of ups anddowns, and I am learning this.” “I thank God that he allowed it to happen, because I have matured a lot with my faith… I have been trying to trust in the process and be present in the moment. I also try to do my best to show up to work every day, and each practice.”To get two rushing touchdowns of 55 yards or longer in the same season — let alone one game — is extremely rare. Henderson’s run was the Patriots’ first in 40 years. Another rookie, wide receiver Kyle Williams, had a 72-yard touchdown catch that was the Patriots’ longest play from scrimmage in four years, an exciting preview of what’s to come from two young playmakers.Henderson’s second touchdown saw him racing downfield and sneak a look at the Patriots’ sideline, trying to figure out on the run whether head coach Mike Vrabel wanted him to go down in the field to allow New England to run some clock. Full-speed, the decision was made to score. The Bucs still held two timeouts at 1:31, so if they had not gained a touchdown, they would have received the ball.Vrabel said, “He did the right thing.” “Today in the game, the way that it was played, they needed two touchdowns. So I think it’s OK. We made a little bit closer, but we were aware it would be hard coming down here. Two explosive plays and Kyle’s early play, we really need that one. It was the play that we had been talking about. He only needed one.Henderson knew he was ready when Terrell Jennings, the backup, left Sunday’s match with an injury. Stevenson had been out with injury. The rookie has been a top performer in the NFL over the past three weeks. He is only behind Jonathan Taylor of the Colts, James Cook of the Bills and De’Von Achane of the Dolphins. Henderson is no stranger to this, as he led the Big Ten in rushing yards last year, averaging 7.1 per carry on his way to a second 1,000-yard campaign. The Patriots used rookies on Sunday at both left guard and left tackle, while safety Craig Woodson had eight tackles. New England continues its seven-game winning streak, which has tied it for the best league record. Henderson stated that their goal as rookies was to prove to coaches that they are worthy of the trust placed in them.Henderson stated that the organization does an excellent job at putting players in positions where they can grow into what they want us to be. “I’m impressed by the rookies that we have. They come to every practice and work their hardest. They try to seize every opportunity they are given. I’m very proud of them all.”Greg Auman, NFL Reporter at FOX Sports. He spent the previous decade covering the Buccaneers at the Tampa Bay Times, and The Athletic. Want great stories delivered straight to your inbox with @gregauman? Sign up for a FOX Sports account or create one to follow teams, leagues and players. You will receive a daily newsletter!
2025-11-10 20:20:39