FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots are onto Week 1.
In a game that lasted over three-and-a-half hours, the Patriots fell to the Giants, 31-29 on a last-second touchdown in what was an eventful fourth preseason game. A few of the offensive starters played meaningful snaps for the Patriots, which gave the first half plenty of excitement.
The team now needs to cut its roster down to 53 players by Saturday at 4 p.m.
Here are five quick thoughts on the game.
1. The biggest story of the game was Julian Edelman, Demaryius Thomas and Josh Gordon all playing meaningful snaps in the first half with Jarrett Stidham at quarterback. All three hadn't played at all in the preseason, so this was their tuneup for Week 1. Edelman only played one series after appearing to do something to his left hand/wrist. He took his glove off immediately, but after speaking with head trainer Jim Whalen he was joking with Tom Brady, who didn't play, so everything appears OK. Thomas had the most impressive game finishing with seven catches on eight targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Gordon added two catches for 30 yards. If there was any question about Thomas being ready for Week 1, he proved those doubters wrong.
2. Stidham played the entire game, finishing 18-for-28 with 225 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw his first interception of the preseason when he was under heavy pressure and was hit as he was thrown. Brian Hoyer didn't play at all, but it is hard to say exactly what it means. Could it be the team knows it is going with Stidham? Sure, but it also could mean it wanted to get the rookie all the reps it possibly could since it already knows what Hoyer can do. It does seem a little telling Hoyer did not play at all in the final two preseason games.
3. Cornerback Keion Crossen had an up-and-down game, but there may have been more good than bad. Crossen was beat a few times early on, but picked it up after that, including an interception. It is worth n noting most of the good came against the third and fourth-teamers for the Giants. While some may say Crossen might not make the team because he played in the fourth preseason game, the reality is not everyone can sit and with him being on the bubble and making plays, it should be viewed as a good thing.
4. As is the case with every fourth preseason game, there were players in the game during the second half who seem like bubble players who have the potential to get cut. On Thursday, those included Deatrich Wise, Crossen, Calvin Munson and Jakobi Meyers. While history says not to read into it -- just look at Jason McCourty and J.C. Jackson last year -- but it is certainly worth noting.
5. Gunner Olszewski was all over the field. He was the primary punt and kick returner, got into the game at wide receiver and then in the second half following an injury to Malik Gant, he even played cornerback like he did at D-II Bemidji. The undrafted rookie certainly has done everything in his power to be considered for the 53-man roster.
