The New England Patriots start the 2025 season with a BANG on the opening kick off of Week 1 of the NFL preseason. Rookie second round pick TreVeyon Henderson caught the football on his own goal line, split the blockers, broke an arm tackle, reversed the field and out ran the other 10 Commanders for six.
“This balls coming out,” play by play commentator Scott Zolak said. “There he goes! It’s already a new season! Oh my God! The number two draft pick from Ohio State takes it 100 yards!”
The Washington Commanders went three and out on their first drive as this Patriots team is proving that it truly is ready to turn the page on back to back very disappointing seasons.
You can watch the game on NFL Network.
TreVeyon Henderson Excites On Offense
Henderson’s night wasn’t done after his tantalizing return, as the rook made his presence felt on the offensive side of the ball as well.
Although it was just his first taste of NFL action, Henderson only operated with the first team offense on Friday night. After Drake Maye and Rhamondre Stevenson left the field, so did Henderson.
But Henderson did not need many reps to put his big play ability on tape. He had just one carry on the night. The back took a stretch carry to the boundary out of I-formation, cutting off the back of a Will Campbell pancake block, and bursting through the hole for an 18 yard gain. A facemask tackle added 15 yards to what was the rook’s only carry.
In the passing game, Henderson caught a screen pass that didn’t materialize first. Then, on the very next play, he was once again found by Maye leaking out on the left side for a gain of four. His third and final touch came off a hot route out of the backfield. Maye felt the blitz and dumped it to Henderson who put his head down and trucked a defender for a gain of nine yards to put the Pats on the five yard line. Maye would go on to score on a scramble two plays later.
What We Learned About The Patriots Backfield
First and foremost, we learned that TreVeyon Henderson can play ball. At 22-years-old, the rookie played all four seasons of college football with the Ohio State Buckeyes. At OSU he rushed for a thousand yards as both a freshman, and a senior.
His calling card was always his big play ability and value in the passing game. That seems like it will continue in New England. Stevenson was clearly being used as the starting every down running back.
His seven carries for 36 yards came in work horse style, receiving the rock on first and second down numerous times. It is safe to assume that he will be the starter come Week 1.
However, it appears Henderson has already jumped sixth year vet Antonio Gibson on the depth chart. Gibson brings value in the red zone and as a power back, but as far as big play ability and versatility is concerned, it appears the rook has him beat.
I expect Henderson to start the season with a carved out role that will increase as the weeks go by. An impressive first showing for sure.
Patriots’ Rookie Takes Kick 100 Yards To The House On First Play Of 2025