New England Patriots grind out victory as TreVeyon Henderson shines in the running game
The New England Patriots managed to secure a hard-fought 26-20 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, but their running game left much to be desired. On the surface, the Patriots accumulated 104 rushing yards, with rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson contributing 66 of those. However, the team’s struggles at the goal line highlighted the challenges they faced in this gritty matchup, a win that marked their 12th consecutive triumph.
Henderson reflects on the tough battle
After the game, Henderson shared his thoughts on the contest, emphasizing the importance of grinding through difficult games. “Yeah, it was a battle,” he acknowledged. “It was a tough one for sure. I try to suspect that going in each week, not looking at the record. I don’t really pay too much attention to the records of the team because I know in the NFL every week is always going to be a dog fight. Thank God we got through that and came out with the win.”
Despite the victory, the Patriots’ goal line struggles were indicative of their performance in Week 12. New England had several opportunities to score from the 1-yard line, yet each attempt was thwarted by the Bengals’ formidable defensive line, leaving Rhamondre Stevenson and Terrell Jennings unable to reach the end zone.
Goal line failures highlight areas for improvement
The Patriots faced another chance to capitalize when they were awarded a fresh set of downs due to a defensive pass interference call against Cincinnati’s Dax Hill. However, the drive ultimately yielded no points, a frustrating reality for the New England offense. “It’s tough,” Henderson admitted. “That’s something we definitely have to continue to work on, and it starts with practice. I know coach (Mike) Vrabel is going to continue to do a good job of pushing us and helping us to get better when it comes to that.”
Henderson’s performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game. His 66 rushing yards marked another significant step for the Ohio State product, who has stepped into a larger role with Stevenson sidelined due to a toe injury. In previous weeks, he had showcased his scoring ability, combining for five touchdowns against the Buccaneers and Jets during Stevenson’s absence.
A new dynamic in the Patriots’ backfield
With Stevenson back in the lineup, the Patriots have the opportunity to diversify their running attack. While this may have limited Henderson’s scoring chances in this game, his contributions were vital in maintaining the momentum for New England’s backfield. As the team continues to navigate the challenges of the season, they will look to refine their goal line efficiency and build on the success of their rookie standout.
In the first quarter of the game, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye handed off to Henderson, setting the tone for a performance that, despite its difficulties, ultimately ended in a hard-earned victory. The Patriots may have escaped with a win, but the lessons learned in this gritty encounter will undoubtedly shape their approach moving forward.
