The Patriots just exposed (again) the one thing that could doom their playoff hopes

"Drake Maye got himself right back into the MVP discussion with a breakout game, but an issue that could derail any deep playoff run once again reared its ugly head: the lack of a consistent running game. Young phenom TreVeyon Henderson left the game with a head injury. If he is placed on the concussion protocol, it could keep him out for weeks and impede the Patriots' hopes of a deep playoff run."

"Yet the result was still disconcerting. The Patriots could only muster a paltry 54 yards on 13 carries against the Ravens. That type of production would even be a concern for a Tom Brady-led offense, and it could be a game and even season-changer for the now officially headed to the playoffs Patriots. TreVeyon Henderson missing time would be a huge loss for the Patriots' offense"

"Any injury that shelves TreVeyon Henderson removes the only long-range backfield threat the Patriots have. Additionally, depth is paper-thin. With Antonio Gibson on the shelf for the season, it's the fumble-prone Stevenson who's the last viable option for Head Coach Mike Vrabel and his surprisingly but not wholly unexpectedly resurgent Patriots' team. While some feel the duo of Henderson and Stevenson is elite, Henderson is the key, and if he's out, a prodigious dimension to the Patriots' offense disappears."

The New England Patriots erased an 11-point deficit to beat the Baltimore Ravens after Lamar Jackson left early with an injury. Drake Maye produced a breakout performance that renewed MVP conversation. The offense again lacked a consistent running game, totaling only 54 yards on 13 carries. TreVeyon Henderson exited with a head injury and faces possible concussion protocol that could sideline him for weeks. Rhamondre Stevenson served as the only healthy back with NFL pedigree and filled in admirably despite a history of fumbles. Depth remains thin with Antonio Gibson out for the season. Henderson's explosive, long-range threat significantly alters opposing defenses' game plans.

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