4 winners and losers from New England Patriots shocking win over the Steelers

Winner No. 3 - Tight end Hunter Henry

Possibly because there is no Tom Brady in New England anymore, or the team needs new offensive direction, or mostly a new offensive line and potentially better talent at tight end (whew!), the Patriots just don't get the same production from the tight end group they once did. Henry had good years in the NFL when he was with the Los Angeles Chargers, and he was even OK with the Pats in 2021, but this year? Not so much.

That is until Week 14. Henry wasn't targeted a ton, but he did catch all 3 of his targets for 40 yards and scored two touchdowns. On Zappe's third touchdown pass, Henry showed quickness, nimbleness, and great hands in reeling in a pass just over the Steelers defender. Sure, it was a great throw, but it was just as good of a catch.

Henry is a free agent after 2023, and his cap hit this year was $15.5 million. That is ridiculously high for a player who hasn't been able to produce as much as Bill Belichick and Patriots fans would have hoped, but he might be working, keeping around at a reduced salary. That is especially true if New England finds a decent QB1 in 2024.

Read more from Musket Fire