Mike Vrabel Reveals Patriots’ Surprising Hook-and-Lateral Was Designed originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Patriots’ hook-and-lateral against the Raiders looked like the kind of play that comes together on instinct. Mike Vrabel’s Monday comments suggest there was a plan behind it.
On a third-and-11 in the second quarter, rookie receiver Efton Chism III caught a short pass and lateraled the ball to running back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson gained enough for a first down, giving New England a needed conversion and turning a routine-looking completion into one of the most memorable plays of the afternoon.
Vrabel’s Answer Added A New Wrinkle
After Sunday’s game, Drake Maye praised Chism for seeing Henderson and deciding to get the ball to him. Maye said Chism made a great decision in the moment. On Monday, a reporter asked Vrabel whether the play was designed after hearing the coach discuss it on the radio.
Vrabel’s answer was brief: “Yes.”
HOOK AND LADDER 👀 On 3rd and 11, Drake Maye hits Efton Chism for the catch-and-run, who then throws it back to TreVeyon Henderson for a Patriots 1st down! https://t.co/f2NXS6Dcp7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 11, 2026
That clarification adds an interesting layer to the play. Chism still had to make the catch and deliver the lateral cleanly, while Henderson had to secure the ball and find space. But Vrabel’s response indicates the Patriots had prepared the play as an option, rather than relying entirely on Chism to improvise.
The play also showed how New England can use its young skill players in different ways. Chism finished with five catches for 57 yards against Las Vegas. Henderson gained 22 rushing yards and added a 16-yard reception before leaving the game with an ankle injury.
MORE: NFL Insider Shares Promising A.J. Brown Injury Update for Patriots
A Creative Wrinkle As The Patriots Turn To Week 6
New England’s offense has scored 74 points over its past two games, and the Patriots have found contributions from multiple receivers and running backs. A successful trick play does not guarantee the same result the next time it appears, but it gives opponents another possibility to account for.
The next test comes Sunday, when the Patriots host the Jets. New England will hope its offense can keep producing, whether through another creative call or the more conventional plays that powered its 45-17 win.