The first preseason game could not have gone much better for the Patriots.
After leading 20-0 at the half, they rolled to a 31-3 win over the Lions in Detroit.
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers was the star of the game. The undrafted rookie hauled in six passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, the defense was very impressive finishing with nine sacks.
Here are 10 quick observations from the game.
1. First-round pick N’Keal Harry made a very good first impression. The Arizona State product didn’t start the game, but came in and made two very nice back-shoulder catches on contested balls in the first quarter. This was what he was known for in college. The downside? Harry came up limping after the second one and was removed from the game. This came following suffering an apparent hamstring injury on Tuesday during the second joint practice. Given Harry stayed on the sideline, it doesn’t seem like it is too big of an issue, but it’s worth noting he’s had a number of these scares over the first couple of weeks. Tight end Matt LaCosse suffered an ankle injury and departed for the locker room early at the end of the first half, so this seems like more of a concern than Harry.
2. Veteran backup Brian Hoyer was very impressive, playing well into the second quarter. He finished 12-for-14 with 147 yards and two touchdowns for a 150 quarterback rating. Jarrett Stidham finished the game and was solid, especially considering it was his first NFL action. The Auburn product was 14-for-24 with 179 yards and a touchdown. Based on this one game, Hoyer’s roster spot seems secure, but that has the potential to change over the remaining three preseason games.
3. As mentioned before, Meyers was exceptional. He showcased the talent he’s shown in practice, but it is another thing to take it to the game field. The undrafted rookie out of NC State has a very good chance of making the team as the final receiver on the roster. He’s even received some 1-on-1 time with Tom Brady during practice. Veteran Maurice Harris also had a nice night, catching three passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. Both of these players have very good chances of making the roster.
4. The story of the game for the defense was its ability to put pressure on the quarterback. It started on the second series of the game when Jamie Collins and Ja’Whaun Bentley recorded back-to-back sacks. Derek Rivers had a nice night as well, finishing with two sacks. Even though it is the summer, Collins has looked very impressive and seems to have bought into his new role with the team. It will be worth monitoring if the unit stays as aggressive as it was last year with Brian Flores calling the plays.
5. Braxton Berrios handled the majority of the punt returns, and looked good. This could be very beneficial when it comes to him making a case for the final 53-man roster. If the team doesn’t want to risk having Julian Edelman return punts early in the season, it needs someone to emerge. As it stands now, Berrios is in a competition for the final spot at the position, but his special teams value could give him the edge. Gunner Olszewski handled the duties in the second half.
6. Bill Belichick definitely had a bigger role with the defense than in past seasons with no real defensive coordinator on staff, but who actually called the plays isn’t quite clear with all the defensive coaches being on the headsets. Based on reports, Jerod Mayo may have actually been the one, which is something we thought could be the case. It will be worth watching how this evolves over the preseason, as perhaps Mayo has shown in the spring and summer he’s ready for the job.
7. Brandon Bolden (12 carries for 41 yards) and Nick Brossette (22 carries for 66 yards) led the way at running back, which left third-round pick Damien Harris on the sideline the entire game. With Sony Michel, James White and Rex Burkhead all not dressing, this seems somewhat notable. Harris hasn’t received a lot of carries in practice, either. It's something worth monitoring this coming week and next Saturday in the second preseason game against the Titans.
8. There weren’t many negatives in the contest, but one thing the coaching staff won’t like are the number of penalties. The Patriots committed 12 for 135 yards as a team. This was an issue during the regular season last year, so seems like something that will be addressed prior to preseason game No. 2 and then into the regular season.
9. It looks like the punter battle will last the entire preseason. Last summer, Corey Bojorquez didn’t get into a single preseason game where as Thursday rookie Jake Bailey attempted the first punt, while also getting the first kickoff. Bailey is battling veteran Ryan Allen for a roster spot. Bailey's first punt would be his last, as it was a booming 45-yarder with a hang time of over five seconds. Allen had the final three and was solid before a subpar one to close things out.
10. While it’s only the first preseason game, the Lions were booed off the field after trailing 20-0 at the end of the first half. Certainly there’s a long way to go, but if the team doesn’t get it together and have a decent year there is a very real possibility that Matt Patricia gets fired at the end of the season.
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