The New England Patriots, led by rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, dominated the New York Jets 27-14 on Thursday night in Foxborough, securing the NFL’s best record. Henderson’s performance, paired with solid play from rookie QB Drake Maye, put the Patriots firmly in the playoff-picture spotlight.
Henderson stepped into a starting role with veteran Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined, and he took full advantage: he carried the ball twice into the end zone and added his first career receiving touchdown. According to ESPN, he became just the second rookie in Patriots history to record multiple rushing touchdowns in consecutive games. He also logged five touchdowns over a two-game span, a club first.
Maye opened strongly, completing his first 11 passes—the longest such streak of his career—and ended the night 25-of-34 for 281 yards and a touchdown, being sacked only once.
While the Patriots offense hummed, New York’s aerial attack faltered. With star receiver Garrett Wilson on injured reserve, the Jets leaned heavily on the run but couldn’t maintain momentum. QB Justin Fields managed just 116 passing yards and coughed up a fumble that led to a New England field goal.
Defensively, New England held the Jets to 14 points and 245 total yards, though they allowed eight third-down conversions. The Jets did average 5.0 yards per carry.
The Patriots also welcomed some urgent injury concerns, as defensive tackle Milton Williams left with an ankle injury and didn’t return.
The Foxborough crowd was electric as Henderson crossed the goal line for his receiving TD — a moment that captured social-media attention.
“Henderson just announced himself,” one fan wrote on X.
“The Patriots’ backfield is his now!” read another comment.
The momentum in the Patriots fan base is palpable as the team racks up an eight-game win streak and registers the league’s best record. Meanwhile, Jets supporters are voicing frustration over inconsistent quarterbacking and a thin receiving corps.
New England now sits at 9-2 and prepares to hit the road for a showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots will look to build on Henderson’s form and Maye’s rhythm to stay atop the AFC standings.
On the flip side, New York drops to 2-8 and heads to face the Baltimore Ravens. The Jets need to address their passing-game issues and injury losses to halt their current losing streak.
