Patriots run game peaking ahead of 2026 playoff matchup with Chargers

4 days ago 2

FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots’ run game is heating up at the perfect time.

Over the final month of the regular season, TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson showed that they were one of the most potent 1-2 combinations in the NFL. With the team’s first playoff game coming up this weekend, against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Patriots’ run game is peaking when they could need it the most.

Over the final weeks of the regular season, the Patriots’ offense had one of the best run games in the league. Mike Vrabel’s team rushed for 723 yards in the final four games, which was the second-highest total. The Patriots also ran for an NFL-high 10 rushing touchdowns in the final four weeks. The group also led the NFL in that timeframe, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

Although the offense truly runs through Drake Maye, the quarterback said it’s been special to watch Stevenson and Henderson finish strong.

“It’s been awesome to see how (Rhamondre) and TreVeyon have molded their role on this football team,” Maye said. “Those two backs are huge for our success and will continue to get better and better.”

Stevenson and Henderson have both had success this year in the backfield, and both earned NFL accolades throughout the year.

On Wednesday, the NFL named Stevenson the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. This comes after he ran for a career-high 131 yards to go with three total touchdowns in the Patriots’ win over Miami.

Stevenson missed three games this season due to a lingering toe injury. It took him some time ot get back into his groove, but over the final four weeks, the veteran was very efficient. Stevenson averaged 9.6 yards per carry, rushing for 279 yards in the final four games. He scored six touchdowns in that span.

Stevenson ended the 2025 season with 603 yards and scored a career-high nine total touchdowns.

“It’s great,” Stevenson said. “Every season is different, but when you catch a stride, it’s great. Especially when it’s in the postseason.”

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A second-round pick, Henderson has lived up to his draft status. The electric rookie has big-play ability and finished this season rushing for 911 yards with nine rushing touchdowns. This season, he earned Offensive Rookie of the Month for November. He ran for 286 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry over the final four games.

Asked about hitting the 900-yard mark, Henderson said he never focused on personal goals this season.

“The biggest thing is I want to try my best to help this team continue to win games,” Henderson said. “I try my best not to focus on myself but to focus on the team. I feel like when you do that, eventually everything will come your way. You keep putting in the work, keep focusing on trying to help this team win games, eventually the stats will show up.”

Over the final four games, Henderson is 11th in the NFL in rushing, and Stevenson is 12th. Together, their 565 combined rush yards. The only 1-2 combo to have more rushing yards in the final four weeks is Baltimore with Derrick Henry (570) and Keaton Mitchell (112).

Both backs noted that having one another has made life easier.

“Really beneficial,” Henderson said. “He’s helped me a lot, taught me the ropes, and helped me to get better as a player. Love having him in the room.”

“Very fun. He came in willing to learn,’ Stevenson added. “Knew he was talented from the start. It’s good to see it get rolling.”