The New England Patriots' 2025 season is about 65 percent complete, and things are looking up. They sit atop the AFC East and are tied for the best record in the NFL. One recent development that's helped is the emergence of the electrifying TreVeyon Henderson as a home-run hitter.
But Coach Mike Vrabel realizes that the blocking upfront has to improve if he's to realize his full potential.
Henderson was drafted in the second round of the 2025 draft to do what he's now doing in style: taking the top off NFL defenses. He finally got his chance to shine and was like a supernova. After two long touchdown runs against Tampa Bay, Henderson followed up that masterpiece with a three-touchdown game against the Jets. He's been just what the doctor ordered for a Patriots backfield that's been tormented with injuries.
With Antonio Gibson out for the season and Rhamondre Stevenson missing games with a toe injury, Henderson needed to step up, and he did just that. Now, with Stevenson returning, there should be no doubt whatsoever that Henderson is the lead back now and in the future.
TreVeyon Henderson is the explosive back a team needs to win it all
TreVeyon Henderson has now shown he can translate what he did for Ohio State to the pro game. He now has to be game-planned for by every defensive coordinator the Patriots face.
That's priceless for quarterback Drake Maye and his pinpoint passing offense. You overplan for Henderson, and Maye will rip you to shreds. Mike Vrabel had a sober comment about the offensive line's role in all this.
Mike Vrabel on #Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson’s recent performance:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) November 17, 2025
“He had some really good runs. I think that we could block better… he found the end zone which was really, really important… He’s continued to develop and continued to do a lot of really good things to help… pic.twitter.com/nvjNGOJV8H
Vrabel's five-word comment, "I think we could block better," is succinct but loaded with meaning. It tells the story of the 2025 season's running game. It's the big guys upfront who set the tone, and it's on them to keep their end of the bargain if the Patriots' offense is to realize its full potential.
The offensive line's run blocking is the key to further unlocking the offense
The Patriots' young quarterback, Drake Maye, is having a massive sophomore season. He's led his team to an almost unfathomable 9-2 record thus far, and the team is on an eight-game win streak. Yet, there are two major deficiencies with the offensive line that have held the offense back.
The first is their propensity to surrender sacks. They've given up 36 in 11 games, an altogether unacceptable number. That has to improve. Yet secondly, as Vrabel pointed out, their run-blocking has also been suspect. It's not good enough either.
What the Patriots' running backs have achieved absent Henderson's recent heroics is pedestrian. The fact is that both Maye's being sacked and the lack of production in the run game are linked to the O-line's inability to achieve a basic requisite: opening holes, aka running lanes for the backs.
No real threat of a big run means the defense can rear back on its heels and rush the quarterback. Ergo, Maye is running for his life too often, and the sacks mount up. Opening big holes in the defensive front will give the explosive, take-it-to-the-house potential on every carry, Henderson, and the reliable (when not fumbling) Stevenson room to gash the opposition for big gains.
Those consequently give play-action more oomph and make every aspect of mounting a successful scoring drive more likely. Of course, that's easier said than done. The Patriots have two rookies on the left side learning the ropes, and the right side hasn't done much to open many rushing lanes either.
As the season progresses, the rookies won't be rookies anymore, and the veteran right side just has to play better. Vrabel is spot on with his comment about blocking and the running game. Let's see if the big guys up front can elevate their game and get it right, as the Patriots march to the playoffs.