"It's usually not a good sign when your quarterback is your leading rusher, and that was the case for New England on Sunday, as Drake Maye's 28 yards on nine scrambles topped the Patriots' ground game. Mike Vrabel recently noted he's not overly concerned his running backs have not gotten off the ground as the season is in the midst of its second quarter, but TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson combining for just 45 yards on 22 carries is a problem."
"That was a big reason why the Saints' front four got better penetration on Maye in the second half, and the Patriots were held to just three points. Stevenson averaged just 1.4 yards per carry. Henderson showed a couple of flashes but continues to struggle to run between the tackles. In a fourth-quarter game when you're going into your four-minute offense, you have to be able to take time off the clock."
The New England Patriots have won three straight games and matched their 2024 win total. The running game remains ineffective, with quarterback Drake Maye the team's leading rusher at 28 yards on nine scrambles while TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson combined for 45 yards on 22 carries. Coach Mike Vrabel said he is not overly concerned yet. The Patriots were flagged 11 times for 65 yards, including questionable pass interference calls. The Saints' front four got better penetration in the second half, and the Patriots were held to three points. Stevenson averaged 1.4 yards per carry and Henderson struggled between the tackles. Maye completed 18 of 26 for 261 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Consistent rushing and fewer negative plays are necessary to control the clock and prevent the offense from faltering later in the season.
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