CINCINNATI — Over 10 NFL seasons and 132 games played, Hunter Henry never had a game like Sunday’s.
Henry piled up a career-high 115 yards over seven catches during the Patriots’ 26-20 win at Cincinnati. It was the third 100-yard receiving game of his career and fourth straight week the Pats have produced a 100-yard receiver, following DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs.
“Yeah, I think the biggest thing is it’s a new guy every week,” Drake Maye said post-game. “You know, it could be — with Hunter stepping up, he’s a great player in this league. You know him and (Austin Hooper), they give us a one-two punch at the tight end position to run the football, be in the passing game. They do a great job, and Hunter, he’s Mr. Consistent. He’s every week.”
Henry’s previous high was 109 yards in an overtime loss to Seattle last season. The 30-year-old feasted on a Bengals defense that has struggled to defend tight ends all year. Maye targeted him early and often, including for a 28-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
“It was a pretty good scheme by Josh and the whole coaching staff,” Henry said of the touchdown. “(They) just called it at the right time and (it was) a great call, and guys protected (Maye). I mean, it takes all 11 guys. Guys ran the routes to clear things out, and the spacing was good. So, a lot of guys stepped up in a big way.”
Henry repeatedly exploited Cincinnati’s soft zone coverage and beat linebackers in 1-on-1 coverage. Hooper was the Patriots’ second-leading receiver with 39 receiving yards.
“Hunter was huge,” Mike Vrabel said.
Henry would have had a second touchdown in the third quarter were it not for an offensive pass interference penalty called against Hollins. He remains one of the Patriots’ best and most consistent offensive players. Henry is now 138 yards away from setting a new career high in single-season receiving yards with five games still to play.
“I just take a lot of pride in what I do. I work extremely hard at my craft, and at this game,” he said. “I put a lot of hours into this, and a lot of hours with Drake, too. And it was cool to go out there and make some plays with (Hooper).”
