TAMPA, Fla. — In a thrilling game, veteran receiver Stefon Diggs motivated rookie TreVeyon Henderson, leading the New England Patriots to a 28-23 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Henderson’s standout performance included impressive touchdown runs of 55 and 69 yards. Diggs, known for his leadership, pushed Henderson to tap into his potential, saying, “Those great backs don’t get tackled, and I want to see you score.” That encouragement clearly paid off.
Henderson responded to Diggs’ halftime pep talk by scoring right after the break, becoming the first Patriot to have two touchdown runs over 50 yards in a single game. With 14 carries, he racked up a career-high 147 yards, showcasing his explosive talent. “He keeps me motivated,” Henderson said about Diggs. “He’s always in my ear, but he keeps me driven.”
Rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams also stepped up, contributing a 72-yard touchdown catch just before the first quarter ended. His role expanded due to injuries on the team, and he’d only recorded two receptions all season until this standout game. Coach Mike Vrabel emphasized the need for every player to contribute, especially in tight games. “We’re going to need everybody throughout this season,” he said.
Henderson and Williams displayed remarkable speed, with Henderson reaching a top speed of 22.01 mph during his second touchdown, breaking the season record for rookie ball carriers. Williams followed closely at 21.78 mph. Impressively, these top speeds marked the fastest by any rookie and added to the Patriots’ legacy. NFL NextGenStats noted that the three touchdowns scored with at least 20 mph are tied for the most by any team in a single game since they started tracking these stats in 2016.
Quarterback Drake Maye praised his teammates, saying, “If they get going, you’re not catching them.” Henderson attributed his success to the strong blocking from his teammates. “They opened it up really well,” he noted, demonstrating his gratitude for their hard work.
As the Patriots continue their season, they are poised to face the New York Jets next. With young talent stepping up and solid mentorship from veterans like Diggs, the team’s future looks bright. The combination of skill and heart from these players could define the season ahead.
