Rookie TreVeyon Henderson continues to makes history for Patriots - 'He's a great player for us'

FOXBOROUGH — The New England Patriots snapped their 10-game winning streak with a 35-31 home loss to the Buffalo Bills, but it wasn't a total loss at the end of the game.

In just 14 games in the NFL, rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson now holds the Patriots' record for most 50+ yard rushing touchdowns in franchise history.

Heading into the game, Henderson already scored two rushing touchdowns over 50 yards, both against the Bucs. Against the Bills, he doubled that mark. 

The Patriots were already up two touchdowns by the second quarter, but Henderson added onto New England’s early lead with a 52-yard rushing touchdown. On a first down at New England’s 48-yard line, Henderson received good blocking upfront and burned Buffalo’s secondary, extending the Patriots' lead to 21.

“I think the biggest thing is over time being able to get more opportunities and go up against the best of the best each and every week,” said Henderson. “It’s been helping a lot, just growth. We have a great running backs coach as well, who disciplines us really well, and he’s been helping me grow as well. I just want to leave it all on the field.”

The Bills regained form and took the lead against the Patriots going into the fourth quarter, but Henderson’s second rushing touchdown gave New England life. 

On another first down play, the Patriots bulked up by adding an extra lineman and fullback to assist Henderson. Drake Maye pitched the football to Henderson on the right side, but there was no hole for Henderson to go through. The Ohio State product changed direction and hit the accelerator at a dead stop, turning what would’ve been a negative-yard rush into a 65-yard touchdown. 

"Just get him in space," Maye said. "He's tough to tackle. He's got good vision. He's fast. He can make one cut and he's gone. And he probably would have outran them if I wasn't down there. So, he's a great player for us. And we've just got to continue to make more plays to come out with a W."

On the play, Maye hustled upfield to help block for his running back, which Henderson appreciated.

“I just think a play like that shows a lot about Drake Maye, the type of player and person he is, and how unselfish he is,” said Henderson. “That’s why when I got in the endzone, the first thing I did was point up to God, of course, but then point at him and just let him know I really appreciate that, appreciate his effort.”

Mike Vrabel was also impressed by Maye's effort.

"I think it's great," Vrabel said. "I think it's great that he can run, first off. Drake wants to do anything that he can to help this football team. High-screened a guy – I don't think he needs to trip and fall. I don't think that was necessary. But I think he wants to do anything that he can do to help us win. That was good to see."

Henderson finished the game with 148 rushing yards on 14 carries while also catching two passes for 13 yards. Not only did he cement himself in Patriots history, but he also put his name alongside two prestigious running backs. 

Henderson tied Saquon Barkley and Chris Johnson for the most games with multiple 50+ yard rushing touchdowns in NFL history. He also tied Barkley for the most 50+ yard rushing touchdowns by a rookie since 2000.

Even after a difficult loss, Henderson has kept his head high, putting the NFL on with breakaway speed.

“We knew Buffalo was going to come in and give it their best and play hard,” said Henderson. “We knew it was going to be a physical game, and they came off the way that they did.  At the end of the day, I’m still thankful, even in moments like this.The biggest thing is we want to see where we can learn and just continue to grow from here.”