The New England Patriots continued to earn recognition this week with rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Andy Borregales being named to the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All‑Rookie Team.
From the moment he hit the field over the summer, Henderson showcased the blend of explosive athleticism and pull-away speed that made him a second-round pick out of Ohio State. Across 17 games, Henderson amassed 180 carries for 911 rushing yards, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt, and scored nine rushing touchdowns, adding 35 receptions for 221 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Henderson's rookie campaign was marked by an ability to take over games with game-breaking bursts. Among his standout performances were a 147‑yard, two‑touchdown game against Tampa Bay and a 148‑yard, two‑touchdown effort against the Buffalo Bills, proving his value when asked to carry the load with Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined.
On special teams, Andy Borregales emerged as one of the league's most composed and accurate rookie kickers. Selected in the sixth round out of Miami, Borregales proved to be exactly what New England needed: a consistent, unshakeable kicker who could deliver in the clutch.
He finished his rookie regular season converting 27 of 32 field‑goal attempts (84.4%), including a season‑long 59‑yard field goal, and went 53 of 55 on extra points (96.4%).
In the Patriots' 16–3 Wild Card win over the Chargers, he nailed three field goals, providing much‑needed stability in a defensive battle. Even more memorable was his 52‑yard game‑winning kick against the Buffalo Bills earlier in the season, an achievement that made him only the sixth rookie kicker since 2000 to convert a game‑winning field goal on Sunday Night Football.
If their rookie seasons are any indication, the Patriots have found two foundational pieces who are poised to shape the franchise's future for seasons to come.
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