Henderson's skills in pass protection are improving. Above, he forgoes a fake on the play-action pass when he sees the safety blitzing off the right edge to keep the quarterback protected in the pocket. Henderson's block allows QB Drake Maye to keep his eyes downfield, where Hollins is separating against man coverage on a crossing route for a chunk gain.
The fact that Henderson has earned the coaches' trust to be on the field in passing situations is a testament to his high-end skills in pass protection. As a college prospect, many considered the former Buckeye to be the best pass-blocking back in his class and maybe one of the best pass-blocking prospects in recent memory. Since struggling with it early on, Henderson hasn't allowed a single pressure over the last two weeks in three pass-blocking snaps. Along with learning the Patriots pass protection rules, Henderson said the way NFL blitzers rush was an adjustment compared to the college game.
"These guys aren't just a bunch of bull rushers. They come with a lot of different moves and a lot of different tools. So, it's more just being patient, learning when it's the right time to strike, and making sure that you're moving your feet," Henderson said. "These guys get paid to get to the quarterback. They're going to do everything they can to get there."
Hopefully, last week's performance was a sign that it's all starting to come together for Henderson at a time when the Patriots need the rookie to flourish. Earlier this season, veteran RB Antonio Gibson was lost for the season due to a significant knee injury. This week, top RB Rhamondre Stevenson was held out of practice by a toe injury, putting his status for Sunday's home game against the Falcons in doubt. Without their two vets, Henderson is in line to be the lead-back on Sunday.
"The natural progression is guys continue to grow, they continue to work, they get used to seeing different things, they get used to seeing different looks," Dews added. "Hopefully, they continue to improve, and that's what's been happening. He gets a little better each week."
The Patriots also made several roster moves this week, with injuries starting to test their running back depth, signing RB Terrell Jennings to the 53-man roster while adding veteran D'Ernest Johnson to the practice squad. Johnson was recently released from the Cardinals practice squad and quickly got the call from New England to join the Patriots. The seventh-year pro has had some notable performances with two career 100-yard games, while rushing for 99 yards on 19 carries in a loss to the Patriots in 2021. According to various reports, the Patriots are also monitoring the running back market heading into next week's trade deadline (Nov. 4).
Although the Patriots are keeping their options open, none of those moves will likely significantly affect Henderson's usage. As a rookie second-round pick, the 23-year-old is a major part of New England's long-term plans on offense while Henderson continues to have a role as a kick returner. With his game-breaking speed adding a big-play element, Henderson is on an upward trajectory, which is huge for the Patriots.