New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had just five carries for 27 yards during his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Some have suggested that the electric second-round pick needs to be used more often going forward.
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels addressed the media on Thursday and said the weapons in the backfield need to a bigger part of the gameplan in the future.
“Question: What did you learn about the 3 RBs in the opener?” ESPN’s Mike Reiss posted on Bluesky. “Josh McDaniels: ‘They need the ball more.’”
Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson (seven rushing attempts for 15 yards) and Antonio Gibson (one rushing attempt for three yards) combined for just 45 scoreless yards on 13 carries in the 20-13 loss against Las Vegas. Wideout Demario Douglas added one carry for four yards.
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The trio of running backs were almost as involved through the air as they were on the ground vs. the Raiders.
Henderson tied wide receivers Kayshon Boutte and Stefon Diggs with a team-high six receptions, covering 24 yards on six targets. Stevenson contributed two catches for 12 yards on three looks and Gibson had no receptions with one target.
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New England’s Week 2 opponent (the Miami Dolphins) allowed a whopping 156 rushing yards in their Week 1 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, so it’d be wise for the Patriots to establish the run during Sunday afternoon’s contest.
