Is TreVeyon Henderson Emerging as the Definitive RB1 for New England Patriots?

Is TreVeyon Henderson Finally the RB1 in New England?

TreVeyon Henderson appears to have solidified his role as the lead running back in New England, especially heading into their matchup with the New York Giants. His playing time and share of carries underline a growing trust from the coaching staff despite some competition.

Last week, Henderson’s snap count dipped from 83% to about two-thirds due to the active presence of Ramondre Stevenson and Terrell Jennings. The goal-line carries were split three ways, which complicated the red zone offense. However, Henderson still maintained a 67% share of the carries overall, showcasing his primary role in the backfield.

His involvement as a receiver also remains significant, with a target rate in double digits. When the Patriots moved into scoring position, Henderson consistently helped move the chains, even if Stevenson and Jennings took a few goal-line attempts without success. This suggests coaches value his reliability in critical situations.

Henderson’s improvement in pass protection has been notable, with his own success rate increasing week over week. This skill is vital for sustaining the RB1 job in today’s pass-heavy NFL offenses. The upcoming game against the Giants offers a good test, considering that other backs like Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley have put up strong performances against this defense.

Considering the shared workload but Henderson’s consistent production, he seems poised to remain the go-to running back in New England. His mix of carries, targets, and blocking effectiveness differentiates him from the committee. Even with Stevenson and Jennings still active, Henderson’s role as the RB1 is more evident than before.

Key factors supporting Henderson’s RB1 status:

1. Carries share consistently above two-thirds
2. Double-digit target rate in passing game
3. Improved pass protection success
4. Proven reliable near scoring positions
5. Positive matchup versus New York Giants’ defense

Henderson’s ability to impact multiple facets of the offense bodes well for his continued leadership role. While workload is still somewhat split, his contributions outweigh those of his peers in crucial situations. With that, he looks like the Patriots’ primary running back moving forward.