The New England Patriots' first game of the 2025 season was eminently forgettable. It has been panned by observers and deservedly so. About the worst critique the team could receive would be that the performance was reminiscent of the 2024 team. Unfortunately, it was.
Much was expected from the new Patriots right away. The awful 2024 team, which won a measly four games, only lost six by one score. That gave great hopes for a Renaissance under Mike Vrabel as both coach and team builder in 2025. In the first game, it didn't happen.
The 2025 Patriots smacked of the 2024 version against the Raiders, and that's not a compliment. A couple of things did go right, however, though the team is now 0-1. One was the performance of Harold Landry III. Another was Kayshon Boutte's logging a 100-yard game. Both shrugged off critics and excelled. And a third had to do with the team's top tight end.
Hunter Henry entered into elite Patriots' tight end territory
Patriots.com, in their post-game analysis, pointed out a very interesting stat. Hunter Henry against Las Vegas became only the fifth tight end in Patriots history to rack up 200 catches.
"TE Hunter Henry caught a 27-yard pass from QB Drake Maye in the first quarter for his 200th reception as a member of the Patriots, becoming the fifth New England tight end to reach 200 receptions. He finished the game with 4 receptions for 66 yards.
"Most Receptions Among Patriots Tight Ends:
Player Receptions Rob Gronkowski 521 Ben Coates 490 Marv Cook 210 Russ Francis 207 Hunter Henry 203"
While Marv Cook is often overlooked when talking about all-time Patriots best tight ends, Francis, Coates, and, of course, Gronk are not. They are routinely and correctly placed at the top of the pantheon of the best to have ever played the position for the Patriots.
Now, without lots of fanfare, yet consistently, Henry has entered that top tier of the best to ever play the position for the team. It's a high compliment to the reticent but solid player who does his job with the professionalism and aplomb that fans wished every Patriot player did.
Hunter Henry has been a little-appreciated but very welcome addition to the Patriots
Hunter Henry has been one of Bill Belichick's best-ever free agent acquisitions. He had established himself with the Chargers early in his career, and now he's exceeded those achievements with the Patriots since he came aboard in 2021.
In four active seasons for the Chargers, Henry caught 196 passes. In the four-plus seasons in Foxborough, he's now caught 203. He's been a model of consistency throughout his career, and he seems to be getting better as the years go by. Henry has been a stalwart on the Patriots' rather pedestrian offense since he signed.
Hunter Henry has now enshrined himself among the very best tight ends in Patriots' history, and that extends back to 1960. It's no small feat. And the even better news is that Henry is only 30. The Patriots can expect to have him contributing for several years more, along with Drake Maye.
There was not much to celebrate about the Patriots' 2025 home opening loss against the Raiders. They were sub-par. Yet, a player who has epitomized what it means to be a Patriot reached a milestone, and it should be appreciated. Hunter Henry is an all-time Patriots tight end, and Patriot Nation should be very happy about that.