PATRIOTS 48,
COMMANDERS 18
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The first time TreVeyon Henderson touched the ball in an NFL game, he went nearly untouched by anyone else.
The Patriots rookie running back erupted for a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the game, helping power New England to an exhibition win over Washington Commanders.
"I was surprised myself," Henderson said. "Then when I saw the crease, it was on from there."
Henderson, a second-round pick out of Ohio State, also had an 18-yard run. Quarterback Drake Maye added a 5-yard TD run and completed 3 of 5 passes for 12 yards, with a fumble in two series of work. It was a promising glimpse of a new-look Patriots offense under new Coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as he begins his latest Patriots tenure.
DJ James intercepted Washington quarterback Sam Hartman's pass, and Antonio Gibson added a 62-yard punt return that set up a 2-yard TD run by backup quarterback Josh Dobbs.
"It was a good start," Vrabel said.
Jeremy McNichols had a touchdown run for the Commanders. Hartman completed 9 of 19 passes for 64 yards and the interception. Josh Johnson played throughout the second half and was 15 of 22 for 173 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Coming of a 12-5 finish and run to the NFC Championship Game in his first season in Washington, Commanders coach Dan Quinn took a cautious approach, resting 30 players -- including his projected starters and several veterans.
The list included quarterback Jayden Daniels, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota (didn't travel, leg strain) and receiver Deebo Samuels on offense. Cornerback Marcus Lattimore and linebackers Von Miller and Bobby Wagner were among those who sat on defense.
But Washington did get their first true looks at rookie offensive lineman Josh Conerly, cornerback Trey Amos, receiver Jaylin Lane, linebacker Kain Medrano and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who all dressed.
Amos and Medrano both had some early tackles, but it was mostly a sluggish outing for the Commanders' understudies who were penalized 13 times for 98 yards. New England was whistled for two penalties for 15 yards.
"All three phases I thought it was sloppy tonight," Quinn said. "They stacked and that showed sloppiness to me -- and then in practice was just the opposite. ... so that did not make me happy."
New England Patriots quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Commanders Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Commanders Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Commanders Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Commanders Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Washington Commanders cornerback Bobby Price (37) and New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) reach for a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Washington Commanders cornerback Bobby Price (37) and New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) reach for a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (95) threatens Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman (15) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (95) threatens Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman (15) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)