FOXBOROUGH – The two words that leap out of the coverage at New England Patriots’ training camp this summer?
“Jahmyr Gibbs.”
As in, rookie TreVeyon Henderson has shown flashes that he might be the next Jahmyr Gibbs – the new, young all-purpose super back for the Detroit Lions.
Yes, for the Patriots’ second round draft pick out of Ohio State, expectations are off the charts. Not only have folks seen how explosive Henderson looked last fall with the national champion Buckeyes, Henderson has delivered the lion’s share of the “wow” plays in camp through the first two weeks.
Perhaps, it’s the shaky state of New England’s linebacker corps, Henderson has looked uncoverable in the passing game while breaking of smooth runs.
A new “James White-style change-of-pace” back for Josh McDaniels to play with would have been a solid ask out of Henderson.
With the first look at outside competition – Wednesday’s joint practice and Friday’s exhibition game with the Washington Commanders – another White is just not good enough.
“When I come out here, I’m just trying to give it everything I’ve got,” said Henderson. “Coach McDaniels has done a good job of giving all of us opportunities to get out into space, especially running backs, so I’m definitely trying to grow and get better at that.”
One look at Henderson, and yes, he pops.
He’s offering a combination of the reliability that Antonio Gibson brings along with a big-play potential that Rhamondre Stevenson really doesn’t.
Listen to linebacker Christian Elliss when he speaks about Henderson.
“He’s been an amazing addition to this team. I see nothing but greatness in him,” said Elliss. “I think he’s going to do amazing in this league. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
That was two amazings and one greatness in the first 32 words for a guy who hasn’t taken a preseason snap against an opponent. Somewhere, Bill Belichick is pounding a wall, but Elliss is honest to the core.
“He even got me on a ‘go’ route the other day that I honestly wasn’t expecting out of him,” added the linebacker. “He keeps showing that he can play. I think he can help this team.”
This offense is supposed to be murder on newcomers to it, both young and old. So far, Henderson hasn’t missed a beat.
“Rhamondre has been a huge help, Antonio, Terrell (Jennings), all those guys, all the vets in the room have been a huge help,” said Henderson. “(McDaniels) is definitely very detailed when it comes to the offense. I think they do a good job of helping us get adapted to the offense, teaching us the plays, making sure we know our responsibilities, doing walk through and things like that to make sure when we come out here to practice, making sure it’s efficient and we know what we are doing.”
McDaniels, trying to rebuild his career after a second disastrous head-coaching stint – this one in Vegas with the Raiders – needs Henderson. This offense needs Henderson, too, and the kid is being pushed along at an electric rate.
“I’m definitely getting more comfortable, just playing in the NFL in general. It takes time to get adjusted to it,” said Henderson. “The Patriots, with the way they organize practice, the way they push us outside of our comfort zone. I feel like they’ve done a good job of helping me to step outside of my comfort zone, and pushing me to get better.”