Key insights from Patriots' decisive victory over Commanders in their preseason debut
The New England Patriots kicked off their preseason campaign with a resounding 48-18 victory over the Washington Commanders. The game showcased a mix of promising performances and areas for improvement, particularly from rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
In his debut, Maye completed 3 of 5 passes for 12 yards and scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown after an 11-yard scramble kept a drive alive. However, he also fumbled early in the game and was sacked, leading to some criticism from head coach Mike Vrabel. The performance reflected Maye's dual-threat ability but also highlighted issues with ball security and passing consistency.
Efton Chism, an undrafted rookie, shone brightest among the receivers, leading all with six receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams, among other receivers, struggled to catch passes during the game.
TreVeyon Henderson made an immediate impact, returning the opening kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown. Henderson also caught three passes for 12 yards and had an 18-yard run. Will Campbell had a solid performance in his first NFL preseason game, with big blocks in the run game.
Josh Dobbs also saw action, going 5-for-12 for 45 yards and had a touchdown run. Ben Wooldridge looked the best of the Patriots' quarterbacks, going 9-for-12 for 132 yards and a touchdown. Both New England kickers were accurate, with Rookie Andy Borregales connecting on a 22-yard field goal and all three of his extra points, and Parker Romo nailing a 57-yard field goal.
The Patriots led 27-3 at halftime and outgained Washington by seven yards in the first half. DJ James intercepted a pass late in the first quarter, returning it to the Washington 31. The team will practice in Foxboro on Monday before heading to Minnesota for joint practices with the Vikings.
The Patriots will take a day off on Saturday before returning to practice on Sunday in preparation for their next preseason game against the Vikings on Saturday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Ja'Lynn Polk suffered a right shoulder or arm injury in the second quarter and was taken to the locker room, but the extent of his injury is yet to be determined.
Mike Vrabel, the new head coach of the New England Patriots, will be looking for continued improvement from his team as they progress through the preseason. The team's performance against the Commanders offers a promising foundation, with clear areas for growth and refinement as they adapt to the NFL level.
In the game against the Washington Commanders, news of TreVeyon Henderson's impressive debut made headlines as he scored a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown and proved his versatility with three receptions and a 18-yard run in American football. Ben Wooldridge's performance as a quarterback also caught attention, going 9-for-12 for 132 yards and a touchdown in the NFL preseason game. Mike Vrabel, the new coach, highlighted improvements for the team, acknowledging the dual-threat ability of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, but equally emphasizing the need for better ball security and passing consistency.
