Just like he did in the preseason opener against Washington last week, TreVeyon Henderson helped set an early tone for the New England Patriots on Saturday. Despite playing only nine snaps against the Minnesota Vikings, the rookie running back finished with four touches totaling 20 yards.
Among those was his second touchdown in as many preseason games. With the Patriots facing a 3rd-and-4 in the late first quarter, Henderson received the ball on a handoff and went on to work his magic.
Running behind
tight end/fullback Jack Westover, the second-round draft pick found a hole on the left side of the formation. That was all he needed: Henderson got up to speed quickly, kept his feet moving through contact, and after eight yards was in the end zone to put his team up 7-0.
It was yet another display of his potential as a big-play threat, and somebody able to maximize whatever the situation.
“He runs hard and protects the ball,” said head coach Mike Vrabel after his team’s eventual 20-12 victory. “Guys were finishing and gave him a little bit of a crease. You don’t need much and he finds it. It was a good run early in the game.”
Henderson’s impact on the Patriots once again extended beyond his role as an all-around running back. The 22-year-old also served as the first kickoff returner again, gaining 26 yards on his lone runback. While that was a statistical step back from his 100-yard touchdown versus the Commanders last Friday, he continues to have a firm grasp on what is a valuable role given the NFL’s current rules.
His special teams usage also was mentioned by his quarterback after the game.
“He’s dynamic,” said Drake Maye. “I mean, shoot, it’s cool knowing he’s out there on kickoff force, kickoff return.”
Henderson’s main focus, however, remains the running back position. And he continues making the most of his opportunities with starter Rhamondre Stevenson out due to an undisclosed ailment (in fact, he was even singled out by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores during a pre-game conversation with ex-Patriot Devin McCourty).
From New England’s perspective, meanwhile, the goal is to make the most of that dynamic skillset mentioned by Maye.
“Just trying to find ways to get him open in space,” the sophomore QB said. “I think he’s better than teams give him credit for running between the tackles, as you saw today. So, just trying to find ways to give him the football.”
