The New England Patriots’ offense is still searching for its rhythm. The Seattle Seahawks’ defense is one of the best in the league and is proving why throughout the first half. The Patriots are not giving Drake Maye time to throw, and his receivers are quiet. Tight end Hunter Henry has been a non-factor so far.
Hunter Henry’s Slow Start
Henry is one of Maye’s key targets over the middle. Maye has tried to find him once, but couldn’t connect as the pass bounced off of Henry’s hands and fluttered for a potential interception. Luckily, the ball fell incomplete, and the crisis was averted.
The Patriots have the 2nd-best offense in PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric. They’ll need their stars to wake up and take them to victory.
Maye has been under pressure for the entire first half. He’s been sacked three times in the first half and the Patriots haven’t been able to move the ball. Rookie Will Campbell was selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of LSU. Tasked with being Maye’s blindside blocker, he has failed on the biggest stage so far.
It’s not just Henry who can’t going, it’s simply everyone that is off to a slow start.
New England’s offense has played exactly how it has played in the postseason. They were great in the regular season, but they’ve struggled to get going against the top defenses in the NFL. They mustered up just 10 points against the Broncos, 16 points against the Chargers, and 28 points against Houston, but only with help from the defense on a pick-six.
Henry is the 11th-ranked tight end in PFSN’s TE Impact score with a grade of 82.0. He isn’t in the top tier of tight ends, but a serviceable option. He was the second-leading receiver for the Patriots in the regular season behind Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs.
Luckily for New England, the game is within reach. The Patriots get the ball coming out of the halftime break and the long halftime show could help shift the momentum in their favor. The way this is shaking out, the Patriots should feel fortunate to only be trailing by nine points.
Mike Vrabel knows a thing about winning Super Bowls. Winning three as a player as a Patriot, the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year has his hands full to get his team refocused on turning this game around.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
