New England’s offense has produced 29 points across three games. Turnovers, injuries and underused reliable targets — notably tight end Hunter Henry — help explain why.
Quarterback turnovers are a major issue: Drake Maye has seven turnovers since his Week 1 touchdown to Eli Raridon.
Hunter Henry’s involvement has dropped after two modest early games — his limited targets and production in Week 3 are notable given his new three-year deal.
# What's happening
The Patriots' offense has stalled badly to open the season. Across three games they have totaled 29 points — under 10 points per game — and tied for the league's lowest scoring average at 12 points per game when a defensive touchdown is counted. That is worse than the criticism they drew during last season's playoff stretch, when they averaged 16.8 points per game over four games.
# Primary causes described in the piece
Turnovers are the clearest problem. Drake Maye has been responsible for seven turnovers since his early touchdown to rookie tight end Eli Raridon. Those include multiple fourth-quarter interceptions in Week 1, another interception in Week 2, and in Week 3 a fumble plus two interceptions — one at the goal line. Those mistakes kill drives and limit opportunities for the offense to build rhythm.
# Hunter Henry's specific situation
Hunter Henry was a reliable target last season and earned a three-year contract after a career-high yardage year. Early in the new season his usage has dropped. He caught all three targets in Week 1 for 26 yards, and increased to 40 yards in Week 2. In Week 3 he was targeted only twice and finished with a single catch for five yards. For a veteran tight end signed to be a consistent security blanket, that decline in targets and production is consequential when the offense already lacks stable receiving options.
# Why Henry's re-emergence matters
A productive Henry would give the offense a steady short-to-intermediate option and a reliable checkdown on pressure plays. With the top receiving option sidelined and younger wide receivers still finding consistency, Henry can provide matchup stability over the middle and in the red zone. The current usage pattern shows he is available but underutilized.
# Short, concrete implications
# Bottom line
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