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New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had recorded just 22 yards on six carries by halftime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs decided the first-year player needed a wake-up call.
Henderson delivered in the second half, playing a central role in the Patriots’ 28-23 victory over Tampa Bay. The rookie had shown flashes through the first nine games but lacked the consistency expected from a second-round selection.
Diggs made that clear to Henderson during the break, challenging him to elevate his performance when it mattered most. After the win, Diggs spoke with reporters about his approach to pushing the young running back.
“I’m proud of him. He’s finally scoring touchdowns, finally running away from guys. We’re kind of hard on everybody, (and) I’m definitely hard on TreVeyon. Just because I see so much potential in him. I was talking mad junk to him at halftime. Just being hard on him. [It’s] good to be hard on people I guess,” Diggs said, per Carlos A. Lopez.
Stefon Diggs on #Patriots rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson:
“I’m definitely hard on TreVeyon. Just because I see so much potential in him… I was talking mad junk to him at halftime. Just being hard on him… [It’s] good to be hard on people I guess.”
(🎥 @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/TYikvuX7Yc
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) November 10, 2025
Henderson answered with two explosive touchdown runs of 55 yards or more in the same game. Early in the third quarter, he burst through the middle untouched for a 55-yard score that shifted momentum in New England’s favor.
With under two minutes remaining and Tampa Bay threatening a comeback, Henderson sealed the victory with a 69-yard touchdown run around the left edge. That kind of big-play ability is exactly why the Patriots selected him out of Ohio State.
His first seven games had been underwhelming, producing 153 rushing yards and one touchdown while working behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Injuries to both veterans opened the door for Henderson in recent weeks.
He gained 75 rushing yards against Cleveland in Week 8 and 87 total yards in a narrow Week 9 win over Atlanta. Sunday’s performance was his most complete showing as a professional.
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