Patriots Shock Buccaneers in Tampa Bay, Improve to 8-2
Established in college as and drafted to be a home-run-hitter, TreVeyon Henderson had yet to have his breakout moment as a Patriot heading into today’s game. Sure, he ran back the first play of the preseason for a touchdown, but that’s a preseason game. We’re talking about the regular season, and 30 seconds into the second half, he was lined up in the backfield, still yet to make a splash. To the joy of the New England faithful and millions of fantasy football managers alike, that was about to change.
The Buccanneers were the biggest test for the Patriots so far this season. Both teams entered this game with just two losses and were leading their respective divisions. The Patriots were on a six-game winning streak, though most wrote it off as a combination of lucky turnovers and an easy schedule. With a win in Tampa, New England could officially dispel that narrative and become a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Drake Maye and His Weapons
The first half started off rough for Drake Maye. The league leader in completion percentage, he found himself 2/7 midway through the first and 11/19 at halftime. The two touchdowns carried him statistically through a below-average performance for his standards. Still, he made good decisions and did what he had to do to set the team up for victory.
Kyle Williams came out of Washington State known for his ability after the catch, leading all receivers in the draft in YAC. In yesterday’s game, he broke a slant route 72 yards, dusting defenders on his way to his first career touchdown.
Stefon Diggs also came up big in the game with a toe-dragging touchdown catch on the last play of the first half. He was reliable all day, hauling in five balls for 46 yards. Another big story was Mack Hollins, who was the preferred downfield threat of Maye all day, totaling 106.
TreVeyon’s Moment
Thanks to their score right before the half, the Patriots received the ball up 14-10 after the break. They made their way to their own 45 and were looking at a fresh set of downs. Like Josh McDaniels has many times before, he called a rush up the middle on 1st and 10. This time, though, TreVeyon flashed what we all knew he had: breakaway ability.
Henderson took the handoff and darted up through the middle of the Buccaneers’ defense and accelerated all the way to the end zone. Finally, he made the play that proved his worth to the Patriots’ offense. He would later similarly ice the game: bouncing off tacklers before sprinting for another long touchdown–this one 69 yards.
It was an early career-defining performance for the rookie, who finished the game with 147 yards on 14 carries. Moving forward, expect to see much more Henderson in the Patriots’ rushing attack, as he adds a whole new dimension to the offense when he can make plays like this.
Looking Ahead
The Patriots have their bye on the last possible week: Week 14. An interesting benefit of that is that if they win their game this Thursday while the Colts have a week off, the New England Patriots will claim the top spot in the AFC playoff picture. All that stands between them and that accomplishment is the 2-7 New York Jets. It would be a dream come true to see the team back on top after what we’ve been through the last five years, and with Maye at the helm, I have no doubt that it’ll happen.