When it comes to NFL preseason games, less is usually more. Typically, the plan is to give players a few reps to shake off their offseason rust, then pull them before anyone has a chance to get hurt. The score is one of the last things coaches care about during exhibition play. Which is why Bill Belichick reacted the way he did when Washington’s Ron Rivera called a timeout to stop the clock late in Thursday night’s preseason opener at Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots, leading 15-13 with 1:22 remaining, were about ready to pack it in, when Rivera inexplicably used his second timeout of the half after a kneel-down by quarterback Brian Hoyer. It’s unclear if Rivera was trying to simulate what he would do in an actual game or if he just wanted the ball back to give some of his third and fourth-stringers a few more plays on offense. Regardless, it didn’t sit well with Belichick, who appeared visibly annoyed at Rivera for trying to extend a meaningless preseason game.
With Washington refusing to go quietly, New England abandoned the victory formation, scoring two plays later on a 91-yard touchdown sprint from rookie Rhamondre Stevenson. That was Stevenson’s second end-zone visit of the night following a one-yard scamper early in the fourth quarter.
Though Rivera’s stunt obviously backfired, in his defense, the NFL’s decision to shorten its preseason slate from four games to three this year gives teams one less opportunity to evaluate their players. That could explain why Rivera, unlike his New England counterpart, insisted on playing to the final whistle.
With Washington in the rearview mirror, the Patriots will now shift their attention to the Eagles, traveling to Philadelphia for joint practices next week followed by an exhibition game to be held Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.
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