FOXBOROUGH – Real football is almost here, but before we get to the NFL regular season, the Patriots need to get through three preseason games.
The first, on Friday night against the Washington Commanders, marks the only Patriots preseason game inside Gillette Stadium this summer. The team will hold its final two exhibition games on the road against Minnesota and the New York Giants.
Before Friday night’s matchup, the Patriots will unveil a 12-foot statue of Tom Brady at 6 p.m. in Patriot Place Plaza. Brady will become the first player in franchise history to be immortalized with a bronze statue.
The ceremony will be streamed on Patriots.com and locally on WBZ-TV.
Afterward, the Patriots will take on the Commanders in what will give us a small preview of what’s to come this fall. This will be Mike Vrabel’s first time on the sideline as the head coach of the Patriots.
Here are five things to watch:
Drake Maye
All eyes will be on Drake Maye. Last season, the quarterback showed promise as the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL. He finished with 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also ran for 421 yards with two touchdowns.
It’s one thing to show promise, it’s another to realize it. One preseason game won’t tell us the story of Maye’s second NFL season, but it’ll be interesting to see the quarterback in Josh McDaniels’s system for the first time in a game setting. McDaniels is the fourth offensive coordinator in four years for Maye, who had two in college and played for Alex Van Pelt last season.
Maye said he likes playing in the preseason.
“Yeah, preseason is a time to go out there and get the jitters,” Maye said." Real life, when I’m live, being able to get tackled and get hit. It’s good to go out there and feel like live bullets are flying around and not have that the first snap of the season."
Patriots offensive line
The biggest issue for the 2024 Patriots was an offensive line that struggled for the past three seasons. That’s why the Patriots invested heavily in the line this offseason by signing Morgan Moses, Garrett Bradberry, and drafting Will Campbell.
This preseason game marks the first true test for the Patriots. Last year, the offensive line never looked right in the preseason. That led to a disastrous season of pass protection. The group needs to be better – and hopefully, for Maye’s sake, it will look better on Friday night.
Receiver competition
It’s not unusual for an under-the-radar receiver to shine during the preseason. If that happens this summer, it could lead to a job for someone on the Patriots.
The Patriots entered this offseason with 12 receivers vying for five or six roster spots. It’s clear that Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, and Mack Hollins lead this group. The next spot (or two) could go to Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, or Efton Chism III. With Bourne out, it’ll create more opportunities for others. We’ll see if anyone takes advantage of the situation.
Patriots defensive line
Mike Vrabel’s defense has an aggressive playing style, where violence is preached by coaches. This defensive line is being coached to attack the opposing offense. Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Harold Landry, and Keion White have all been impressive this summer. The first time we get to see them in real action, it’d be fun to see them against Jayden Daniels.
Unfortunately, Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Daniels won’t play on Friday. Instead, it’ll be Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman at quarterback. On paper, the Patriots defensive line should dominate. We’ll see if that’s case.
Kicker competition
Who doesn’t like a good kicker competition?
This year, the battle between rookie Andy Borregales and Parker Romo has been very competitive. Through 12 days of camp, Romo has missed one kick in camp. After starting 5-of-8, Borregales has made 22 straight kicks. The Patriots made the sixth-round pick the first kicker drafted this past spring. That’s why he’s considered the favorite in this competition. Romo, however, has done everything he can to push Borregales. It’s worth watching how they perform on Friday night.
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