FOXBORO – The Mike Vrabel period unofficially commenced with a win.
Friday’s 48-18 win over the Commanders within the Patriots’ preseason opener received’t rely within the regular-season standings, however it was an optimistic begin for Vrabel in his first recreation as Pats head coach.
The Patriots scored instantly on a 100-yard kick return from explosive rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, and so they weren’t compelled to punt till their closing drive of the second quarter.
Then once more, it’s troublesome to evaluate what any of it means for the reason that Commanders rested 30 gamers, together with most of their starters.
Quarterbacks Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs each scored touchdowns on scrambles, and the Patriots’ beginning protection was stout in opposition to a Commanders offense that began Sam Hartman at quarterback. Undrafted rookie broad receiver Efton Chism, operating again Terrell Jennings and rookie Lan Larison acquired in the long run zone within the second half.
BEST
RB TREVEYON HENDERSON
This is likely to be untimely, however the Patriots’ offense merely seems to be higher when Henderson is on the sector, which could not bode properly for the long-term beginning standing of veteran operating again Rhamondre Stevenson.
Henderson opened the sport flashing his game-breaking skill with a 100-yard kick return landing. He later registered an 18-yard carry, operating behind rookie left deal with Will Campbell. He additionally caught three passes for 12 yards.
Henderson has had some drops in coaching camp, and he has put the ball on the bottom with a fumble. However he’s one of many quickest operating backs within the NFL, and he had an exceptional begin to his NFL profession.
CB DJ JAMES
“DJ James at all times will get across the ball.”
That’s a quote from James this summer time. It feels just like the younger cornerback will get a go breakup each coaching camp apply. He intercepted Commanders QB Sam Hartman within the first quarter to proceed a blazing sizzling begin to the summer time.
James, a 2024 sixth-round decide by the Seahawks, spent most of final season on the Patriots’ apply squad. He’s drawn reward from Vrabel, and now it will be a shock if he’s not on the Week 1 53-man roster as depth behind prime cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Rookie kicker Andres Borregales didn’t have essentially the most troublesome assignments, however he hit a 22-yard area aim and related on three additional factors. Many anticipate the rookie to win the kicking competitors, however Parker Romo is maintaining issues attention-grabbing. He hit a 57-yard area aim and three additional factors.
The Patriots additionally had one other large kick return halfway by means of the second quarter when operating again Antonio Gibson put his offense in good area place with a 62-yard return. Rookie security Craig Woodson led the staff with three particular groups tackles.
WR EFTON CHISM
Chism was the one Patriots broad receiver critically contending for a roster spot to catch a go. He hauled in six catches on eight targets for 50 yards with a landing from third-string QB Ben Wooldridge.
WORST
WR JA’LYNN POLK
Polk took an end-around for a 1-yard achieve, however landed onerous on his arm/shoulder when he was tackled. He went straight into the blue medical tent earlier than departing for the locker room. The 2024 second-round decide is preventing for a roster spot behind Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and rookie Kyle Williams. This received’t assist his case in opposition to different broad receivers like Javon Baker, Efton Chism and Kendrick Bourne.
QB DRAKE MAYE
We’re being a bit harsh right here, however Maye did flip over the ball Friday night time. He was making an attempt to throw the ball away, it fell off his hand and went backwards for a fumble that was recovered by the Commanders.
“We turned the ball over offensively. I believe that’s a poor determination by our quarterback, and he is aware of that,” Vrabel instructed WBZ’s Steve Burton at halftime.
Maye in any other case was 3-of-5 for 12 yards with a two scrambles for 16 yards with a landing.
QB JOSHUA DOBBS
The Patriots’ backup quarterback acquired an prolonged alternative however accomplished simply 5-of-12 passes for 45 yards. He struggled to attach with open broad receivers late within the second quarter.
LB MONTY RICE
The veteran linebacker has expertise in Vrabel’s protection from his time with the Titans. He let up a 33-yard reception to tight finish Lawrence Cager to arrange a second-half Commanders landing.
WHAT ELSE WE LEARNED
- Put exterior linebacker Truman Jones on your whole future 53-man roster projections. He was decidedly above Anfernee Jennings on the Patriots’ defensive depth chart. Jennings was nonetheless on the sector within the fourth quarter, which wasn’t a terrific signal for the veteran edge defender. Jennings just isn’t a terrific slot in Vrabel’s attacking fashion of protection.
- Rookie Marcus Bryant drew the beginning at proper deal with over Demontrey Jacobs with Morgan Moses out. He stayed within the recreation when different starters departed to maneuver over to left deal with. It seems the Patriots are giving him each alternative to earn the highest swing deal with function. Bryant was Missouri’s beginning left deal with final season. His bookend was first-round decide Armand Membou.
- Tight finish Jack Westover stays a coaches’ favourite. He drew a begin at fullback and has been working because the Patriots’ third tight finish behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper in coaching camp. He had the lead block on a landing run from Terrell Jennings within the fourth quarter.
- There’s a spot at gunner open with Marcellas Dial on injured reserve. Javon Baker acquired the primary alternative Friday night time reverse Brenden Schooler.
- Veteran Marcus Epps and second-year professional Dell Pettus each didn’t get on the sector at security till the second half.
- Larison departed for the locker room after his fourth-quarter landing.
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