On Thursday, the Patriots kicked off their preseason against Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Washington Football Team. Granted, that it’s only preseason, it’s still important in a number of different facets. There were a multitude of things to takeaway from this game, including some positional competitions starting to heat up. Here are the biggest things I took away from this preseason opener:
Mac Jones Outplayed Cam Newton
Much has been made about the Patriots’ quarterback competition during training camp. Some don’t even believe that it’s an actual competition, and that Bill Belichick has every intention of starting Cam Newton at quarterback week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. But, it was the rookie Mac Jones who outplayed Cam Newton during this preseason affair.
Cam Newton’s 2021 preseason debut could be best categorized as inconsistent. Newton started the game, playing the first 2 series, putting up 3 points. Newton’s first drive was sloppy, as the drive stalled as Newton tossed 2 incompletions. After the putrid opening drive, Newton got into a rhythm, putting together a 10-play drive. However, Newton and the offense were unable to get anything going in the red zone, and the drive stalled, as they settled for 3 points. Newton finished 4-7 for 49 passing yards. Newton solely worked with the first-team.
After Newton’s second series was complete, Bill Belichick gave Mac Jones an opportunity to work with the first-team offensive line. Jones was quick and efficient in his debut. He was active at the line of scrimmage, diagnosing the defense at the line of scrimmage. He worked quickly, and often took what the defense gave him, being effective in short/intermediate patterns. Jones aired out a nice-looking deep ball to Kristian Wilkerson in the end zone, but the ball went through Wilkerson’s hands and fell to the turf.
Jones and the offensive struggled once the reserve offensive line entered the game. The offensive line struggled, and the offense dealt with some penalty’s. But, overall, Jones put together a solid performance. It wasn’t great or eye-popping, but his accuracy and decision-making were pristine. Jones finished the game going 13-19 for 87 yards.
Regardless of the fact that Newton had less snaps, he continued to show too much inconstantly as a passer. Which was the biggest issue for him last season. Mac Jones was much more efficient, and that made the difference.
The Patriots Running Back Group is Deep
Coming into the 2021 season, the Patriots running back group was the deepest part of their roster. With all of their depth, it would be nearly impossible to keep it all in tact. But, all of the depth was on full display during the first preseason game. The team rushed for 179 rushing yards, and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Leading the backfield was rookie fourth-round pick, Rhamondre Stevenson. He carried the ball 10 times, racking up 127 yards and 2 touchdowns. Stevenson broke for a 91 yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to secure the victory for the Patriots.
Sony Michel tallied 6 carries for 26 total yards, and running backs Damien Harris, JJ Taylor, and James White all got some work in. Damien Harris and James White are virtual locks to make the roster, but, after that Belichick could go in a variety of different ways. Brandon Bolden (who didn’t play in the preseason opener) has a leg up in the competition due to his ability to be a core member of the special teams unit. But, the case could be made that former first-round pick Sony Michel still has some upside. Or, does Bill Belichick like what JJ Taylor brings as a kick returner, and pass-catcher?
But, after the show that Rhamondre Stevenson put on, I think it’s tough to see to Belichick leaving him off the 53-man roster.
Kristian Wilkerson vs. N’Keal Harry
With the Patriots likely being a tight end heavy team this season, wide receiver depth will be less prominent than it has been in recent years.
However, the Patriots still addressed the receiver position this offseason, as the team signed Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Both of them, and second-year wide out Jakobi Meyers are slated to be the top-3 receivers on the team. And Gunner Olszewski seems like a roster lock due to his importance on special teams. After those 4 receivers, I would consider it likely that the Patriots keep a 5th receiver.
The question is, who will that it be?
Well, after the first preseason game, I think the battle will be between Kristian Wilkerson and N’Keal Harry. Wilkerson played 54% of the snaps in the preseason opener, which was the second highest for a receiver. Wilkerson appeared to have excellent chemistry with Mac Jones, as he hauled in 6 receptions for 39 yards on 9 targets. Wilkerson looked solid, and his only blemish appeared to be that drop in the end zone.
N’Keal Harry led the Patriots receivers in snaps, as he played in 61% of the offensive snaps. But, Harry was held to 1 reception for 4 passing yards. The buzz about N’Keal Harry this training camp has been notable, as some have called him the biggest surprises of training camp. So, it was disappointing that he only had 1 reception.
But, after week 1 of the preseason, Kristian Wilkerson seemed to put together a better performance than Harry.
Matthew Judon’s Presence was Felt
Mathew Judon was the Patriots’ premiere acquisition on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Granted, that he only played in 12 snaps, his presence was felt, and was felt quickly.
Judon showed his ability to have an impact in run-defense, and also showed some quickness as a pass-rusher. In a three-play span, Judon showed exactly what he brings to the table.
Judon has the ability to be a versatile playmaker for this Patriots defense, as he has a chance to change the entire dynamic of the Patriots linebacker group. In 2020, the Patriots had one of the worst linebacker groups in the NFL. But, this year will be much different, and Matthew Judon is one of the premiere reasons why.
However, Judon appeared to have an injury scare early on. But, Judon was okay, and checked back in the game. The Patriots dodged a bullet with Judon’s potential injury.
The Secondary Struggled at times without Stephon Gilmore
With the uncertainty surrounding Stephon Gilmore’s contract, the Patriots secondary is a big question mark.
J.C. Jackson stepped up into that lead cornerback role, and performed adequately. But, it was evident how thin the position became with Gilmore out. Jalen Mills struggled at times, and Kyle Dugger was not great in coverage. But, it wasn’t’ all bad for the Patriots’ secondary, but very inconsistent.
Myles Bryant showed his nose for the ball, as he broke up a pass. And Joejuan Williams came up with a clutch interception in the fourth quarter.
But, overall the Washington Football Team completed 31 of 47 passes, as the quarterbacks combined for a quarterback rating of 77.6
The Patriots kick off their second preseason game on Thursday (8/19) against the Philadelphia Eagles.