FOXBORO — The rookie has arrived.
Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson built on his breakout performance last weekend in Tampa Bay by out-scoring the Jets all by himself with three touchdowns in Thursday night’s 27-14 win.
Henderson finished the game having scored five touchdowns in the five days, a stark contrast to his early-season struggles when he rarely touched the ball.
“It’s a journey,’” the second-round rookie said post-game. “The NFL comes with a lot of highs and lows. I think the biggest thing is preparation going into the week and with the reps that we have, just trying my best to take advantage of them. Continuing to try and grow and get better as a player.
“My running backs coach does a good job of pushing us. Coach Vrabel does a good job of pushing everyone. I think preparation is key.”
Henderson rushed for 62 yards on 19 carries with a long of just nine yards Thursday. He scored both rushing touchdowns in the second quarter, including one where several offensive linemen pushed him across the goal line inside a giant pile that started inside the 5-yard line. Several players said scoring like that is something they enjoy and a point of emphasis for coach Mike Vrabel.
“We work on that specific drill during the week in practice, the push the pile drill. So, we pride ourselves on it,” said rookie left tackle Will Campbell. “Any chance we can do it, and it paid off tonight.”
Henderson seized on his chance in the absence of starter Rhamondre Stevenson, who missed his third straight game with a toe injury. Henderson burst out last Sunday running for a career-high 147 yards and two touchdowns, by far his best rushing performance in the NFL. However, Henderson rounded out his game Thursday with timely blocks in blitz pickup and a second-half touchdown catch that proved to be the game-winning score.
“I always try to work on different aspects of my game, when running the ball, when I’m blocking, running out of the backfield, whatever it is,” Henderson said. “I’m always studying other guys as well, other backs in the league, just trying to pick things from their game. I’m always trying to learn and grow as a player.”
The rookie now leads the Patriots in rushing and could become a key weapon in December and January for an offense that has mostly been powered by Drake Maye’s stellar play. Henderson, though, is the Patriots’ most explosive offensive player, something he has been sure to remind everyone of these last few weeks.
“It sucks with Rhamondre being out, but TreVeyon’s taking advantage of that opportunity. He’s running hard,” said Pats center Garrett Bradbury. “I mean, everyone knows he can outrun you, but what people are seeing is he’ll run through your face, too. I thought he had an awesome night, a lot of good energy. He loves the O-line, coming and celebrating with the boys, it was a lot of fun.”
