For Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, the last four weeks have been something of a revelation. After an electric showing in the summer throughout training camp, he spent much of the first third of the season firmly planted behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots offense, of course, is built to support and protect quarterback Drake Maye, and Henderson’s pass-blocking just was not up to snuff.
So his opportunities were limited. In his first seven NFL games, Henderson had 43 rushing attempts for 153 yards, and another 99 yards on 16 catches.
But as injuries have taken their toll on the Patriots’ running back room, with Antonio Gibson lost to an ACL tear in Week 4 and Stevenson suffering a toe injury that kept him out for the past three weeks, Henderson has had his opportunity, and seized it.
In his last four games, Henderson has 57 carries and 339 yards, notching four touchdowns. He also has 10 catches for 66 yards, and another touchdown. The electric back fans saw all summer made his NFL arrival.
Patriots Will Have Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson Choice
Of course, the Patriots were always going to get Stevenson back, and be left with a dilemma–a positive one, no doubt, but a dilemma nonetheless. Should the Patriots return to Stevenson, a very good blocking back who does a solid job picking up yardage between the tackles? Or go with Henderson, who struggles to grind out yards inside but who has home-run ability every time he touches the ball?
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was asked about that decision on Wednesday.
“I think we’re gonna have to have that conversation when it’s certain that we’re gonna have Rhamondre. So, work through practice today and see where things go,” Vrabel said.
(Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots
Patriots Have Gotten More From TreVeyon Henderson as a Blocker
Interestingly, though the production has picked up in the run game, at Pro Football Focus, the advanced numbers are not all that impressed with either Patriots running back. Henderson rates a grade of 59.8 according to the site, which is 52nd out of 59 running backs graded in the NFL. That’s mostly because Henderson has a terrible pass-block grade of 22.8.
Stevenson, who has three fumbles on his record this year, has a grade of 58.0, which is 54th out of 59 running backs. He is a significantly better pass-blocker, but again, Henderson is ranked fifth-worst in the NFL at it.
Also worth noting, though: Henderson’s pass-blocking grades have improved as the season has gone on. In three of his last five games, his pass-blocking grade has been 73.0 or higher, which would rate very well around the league. But his early-season struggles are holding his overall grade down.
Rhamondre Stevenson a Full Go at Practice
Vrabel said the Patriots’ intention is to continue using both Henderson and Stevenson, who returned to full participation at practice this week. The balance between the two going forward will be worth watching.
“TreVeyon’s helped us, Rhamondre’s helped us, Terrell (Jennings) has helped us. Disappointed that D’Ernest (Johnson) couldn’t have a couple more carries,” Vrabel said.
“We’ll try to have them all help us. But it’s been good to see TreVeyon continue to run hall and take care of the football and everything else.”
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