New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots’ backfield is taking shape at training camp, and by all indications, it’s looking like quarterback Drake Maye will have a decent running game to rely upon this year.
Let’s start with the incumbent, Rhamondre Stevenson. Consider what he said in a recent interview with NFL Network (per ESPN’s Mike Reiss): “I’m down like 10, 11 pounds. It’s just better weight, though. A lot of lean muscle on me now … I’m trying to unlock breakaway speed.”
Stevenson, 27, agreed to a four-year, $36 million contract extension last year.
While he led the Patriots in 2024 with 801 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, Stevenson also had trouble holding on to the ball. He fumbled seven times and ended up seeing his playing time split with Antonio Gibson.
In addition, Stevenson averaged a career-worst 3.9 yards per attempt despite a career-high 13.8 attempts per game. So a leaner and meaner Stevenson could make him a very dangerous player in the Patriots offense.
Also helping the running game is the addition of rookie TreVeyon Henderson.
“One of his best plays in camp came when he was matched against starting linebacker Marte Mapu and after a shifty double move, hauled in a downfield pass for a big play,” Reiss noted Sunday.
“It was a reflection of the type of speedy mismatch that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels can maximize as a third-down/change-of-pace option that has traditionally logged as much as 50% of the snaps,” Reiss added. “Henderson, who fumbled on one handoff, has also been in the mix as a kickoff returner.”
Henderson continued to impress Monday at practice.
“TreVeyon Henderson had a really nice touchdown catch from Drake Maye in the back left corner of the end zone. That’s his second touchdown of 11v11,” Masslive.com’s Mark Daniels reported on X.
“Good day for rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson to be on the media schedule. He’s had multiple big catches today, one of which just went for a 25-yard(ish) TD from Drake Maye in the back left-hand corner of the end zone (with LB Christian Elliss in coverage),” Reiss added.
The Patriots used a second-round pick, No. 38 overall, to select Henderson, 22, out of Ohio State. New England used its first-round pick, No. 4 overall, on offensive tackle Will Campbell.
Between the rookies and free-agent prize Stefon Diggs, Maye will be able to take the field this year knowing he doesn’t have to do it all by himself.
