The New England Patriots are poised to shake up the NFL with a bold offensive experiment centered around their 2025 second-round draft pick, TreVeyon Henderson. According to Patriots.com Staff Writer Evan Lazar, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is “likely” to deploy a dynamic “pony” package to maximize Henderson’s electrifying skill set alongside veterans Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. This innovative approach could redefine the Patriots’ offense and leave opposing defenses scrambling.
The ‘Pony’ Package: A Game-Changing Strategy
The “pony” package, a two-running-back formation, is not a staple in most NFL playbooks, with league-average usage at just 9.2% of snaps last season. Even teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens, who leaned heavily into this personnel grouping, topped out at around 40% of snaps. However, for the Patriots, this sub-package could be the key to unlocking Henderson’s potential while complementing the team’s existing backfield talent.
Bucs have been experimenting with the “Pony” package through the first two weeks of the season. Mostly they have motioned Bucky Irving from out wide to through the backfield at the snap. Often this has led to an end around/jet sweep or “pop” pass like here. pic.twitter.com/JZCaUymhxA
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) September 18, 2024
Lazar notes that McDaniels has a history of utilizing running backs in a role-specific platoon, with a bruising early-down back (Stevenson), a sub-package back, and a third-down specialist. While Stevenson is the natural fit for early-down work, Henderson and Gibson are vying for snaps in passing situations and lighter personnel groupings. However, limiting Henderson—a versatile, big-play threat—to situational roles would be a waste of his elite talent. Instead, McDaniels is expected to experiment with “pony” sets, pairing Henderson with either Stevenson or Gibson to create matchup nightmares.
Drawing Inspiration from the Buccaneers
The Patriots are taking cues from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ successful use of the “pony” package in 2024 to feature fourth-round pick Bucky Irving. As highlighted by Pewter Report’s Joshua Queipo, the Buccaneers frequently motioned Irving from a wide receiver position into the backfield, setting up jet sweeps or “pop” passes. Henderson, with his exceptional receiving skills, is tailor-made for similar plays. Lining him up as a wide receiver before motioning him into the backfield would force defenses to account for his speed and elusiveness in multiple ways.
wherever Liam Coen coaches next, it would not be surprising to see that team invest in two talented RBs
the pony personnel stuff this year has been outstanding
Here’s one from Sunday. Rachaad in the backfield. Bucky full field motion. Screen. 4 blockers on 4 defenders. pic.twitter.com/wjrI2Hdu1i
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) November 26, 2024
Additionally, Underdog’s Josh Norris showcased a creative Buccaneers screen pass involving Irving and Rachaad White, with one back in motion and the other receiving the ball behind a convoy of blockers. This concept could be adapted for Henderson and Gibson, the latter a converted wide receiver with his own dynamic skill set. Gibson could serve as the receiving target while Henderson blocks or vice versa, leveraging their complementary abilities to keep defenses off balance.
Henderson’s Multi-Dimensional Value
What makes Henderson the ideal candidate for this experiment is his multi-down versatility. Beyond his breakaway speed and receiving prowess, Henderson has earned praise from Patriots legends for his blocking skills. This ability makes him a must-have in third-and-long situations, where his pass protection can give quarterback Drake Maye the time needed to exploit downfield opportunities.
Thought this play from the Bengals was creative. Pony personnel with Khalil Herbert in the backfield. Jet motion Chase Brown and run a shovel option between him and Ja’Marr Chase. Look at the block Herbert gives on the perimeter! pic.twitter.com/JPko3iMF2y
— mike (@bengals_sans) December 30, 2024
Moreover, Henderson’s blocking can enhance the running game in “pony” sets. A play highlighted by Bengals Talk’s Mike, featuring the Cincinnati Bengals’ use of running back Khalil Herbert’s perimeter blocking in a sweep out of “pony” personnel, illustrates how Henderson could pave the way for Gibson or undrafted free agent Lan Larison. Alternatively, Henderson’s speed makes him a threat to break off chunk plays if he’s the ball carrier, with Stevenson or Gibson leading the way.
A Thunder-and-Lightning Core
While McDaniels could opt for a traditional two-back approach, pairing Stevenson’s physical, workhorse style with Henderson’s explosive speed creates a “thunder and lightning” combination that could become the centerpiece of the Patriots’ offense. This duo would keep defenses guessing, as Stevenson grinds out tough yards and Henderson provides the home-run threat. Adding Gibson’s receiving ability into the mix only amplifies the possibilities, allowing McDaniels to craft a versatile and unpredictable attack.
Why This Experiment Could Redefine the Patriots’ Offense
The “pony” package, while a changeup for most teams, could become a defining feature of the Patriots’ offensive identity in 2025. By deploying Henderson in creative ways—whether as a receiver, runner, or blocker—McDaniels can maximize the rookie’s transformative potential. The combination of Henderson’s big-play ability, Stevenson’s power, and Gibson’s versatility gives the Patriots a backfield trio capable of exploiting any defensive weakness.
As the Patriots prepare to unleash this “shocking” experiment, the NFL should take notice. Henderson’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new era in New England, with McDaniels’ innovative play-calling and a dynamic “pony” package leading the charge. If this strategy succeeds, it won’t just get Henderson on the field—it could leave the entire league speechless.