TreVeyon Henderson and other Patriots risers and fallers after a blowout preseason win

New York Times

2 days ago

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots hadn't scored more than 25 points since Christmas Eve of 2023, when they beat the Denver Broncos 26-23. They hadn't scored 30 or more since October of 2022.
Sure, the preseason games don't count, but a 48-18 trouncing of the Washington Commanders' backups was a step in the right direction for a Patriots team coming off back-to-back 4-13 seasons.
Advertisement
Mike Vrabel's unofficial debut was exceptional across the board. The team built on an impressive day of joint practices with the Commanders on Wednesday in a thorough and nearly mistake-free performance. It capped a fun and energetic day here that was kicked off by the unveiling of the Tom Brady statue.
Thanks to those positive moments, there were more risers than fallers in the preseason opener. Still, it wasn't ideal for everyone. Here's a look at who helped and hurt their stock Friday night at Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots didn't need a running back in the draft, and so it was a bit of a surprise when they used a second-round pick on Henderson this April. But their thinking was simple. Vrabel's regime was inheriting a roster that ranked near the bottom in every explosive-play stat. They needed some juice.
Enter Henderson. The speedy back took the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, showing his speed and big-play ability.
TreVeyon Henderson goes 100 yards for the TD on the opening kickoff!
Stream WASvsNE on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/purYDocDTF
— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2025
But he showed that his game is about more than just speed. On one reception in the red zone, Henderson lowered his shoulder and flattened a defender. He got to the edge on his lone carry for an 18-yard gain.
It's also notable that Henderson was the first running back removed from the game. In the preseason, the earlier you're taken out, the safer your regular-season playing time typically is.
At this point, Henderson might be the Patriots' No. 1 running back.
The Patriots are deep at safety, but Hawkins keeps showing up and could eat into Kyle Dugger's playing time — or at least leave the Patriots contemplating three-safety defensive formations.
On the first drive, he went downhill nicely for a hard tackle. Two drives later, he broke up a pass intended for Commanders receiver K.J. Osborn.
Advertisement
It's a good problem to have, but the Pats will have to figure out how to divvy up snaps at safety, considering rookie Craig Woodson continues to play well, too.
There might not be a player on the Patriots roster who has boosted his stock more during training camp than James, a sixth-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2024.
James has gotten increased playing time due to the continued absences of fellow cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Christian Gonzalez, and he is making the most of it.
On Friday, he jumped a pass from Sam Hartman for an interception and had an 11-yard return.
James probably entered Friday on the right side of the roster bubble, and his play only solidified his spot.
Like James, Jones is making the most of his increased playing time. The Pats were without Harold Landry and K'Lavon Chaisson on Friday, so Jones got more snaps than expected.
He had at least three quarterback pressures and a run stuff.
Jones went undrafted in 2023 after playing at Harvard and bounced from the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad to the Patriots at the end of last season. If he keeps playing like this, he won't be a practice squad player much longer.
It didn't feel right to pick just one player for this, considering how good the Pats were on special teams across all phases.
Their kicking competition remains tight after Parker Romo connected on a 57-yard field goal and all three extra-point tries, while rookie Andres Borregales hit a 22-yard field goal and all three of his PATs.
In the return game, Antonio Gibson followed up Henderson's kick return for a score with a 62-yard return of his own.
And the Patriots didn't allow a return longer than 28 yards. All in all, it was an impressive night for coordinator Jeremy Springer's unit.
Special teams is COOKING tn 👨‍🍳
📺: WBZ pic.twitter.com/BjAdBNnLIy
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2025
There have been plenty of ups (and a few downs) for the rookies on the left side of the Patriots' offensive line: Will Campbell and Jared Wilson.
That continued on Friday. This isn't a major cause for concern since there were plenty of positives, too, including Campbell taking a defender for a ride before pancaking him on Henderson's 18-yard rush.
Advertisement
But the rookie pair on the left side botched a twist from the Washington defenders on their opening drive, and the pressure led to a poor decision from Drake Maye, who fumbled on the play. That was more Maye's fault than the O-line's, but it's still worth highlighting as Campbell and Wilson grow accustomed to playing together.
After the struggles of last season and the rut of training camp, Polk, last year's second-round pick, needs a strong preseason just to make the roster.
But Friday went poorly for him. He turned a swing pass into a 1-yard gain in his lone touch, then came up with what appeared to be a shoulder or arm injury. Polk underwent offseason surgery on his shoulder, which kept him out of the start of training camp. Will he now have to miss additional time?
Jennings was once a perfect fit as an edge-setter in Bill Belichick's defense.
But as the Patriots pivot to a defense shaped in Vrabel's image, there have been a few players (Jahlani Tavai also comes to mind) who don't fit as well.
Jennings was playing during the second half on Friday, which is usually a time for backups or those on the roster bubble to make an impression. That's not a great sign for the soon-to-be 28-year-old.
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today's puzzle