FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots are 1-0 in the preseason.
Thanks to three Quinn Nordin field goals, two Rhamondre Stevenson fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns (including a 91-yarder), the Patriots beat the Washington Football Team 22-13 Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
As expected Cam Newton got the start, but rookie Mac Jones saw plenty of reps in relief. Both were solid, with a slight edge to Jones partly because he played more — five series to two.
Here are 10 quick thoughts from the game.
1. Newton started at quarterback and played two series. The first was ugly, as it was a three-and-out. It ended with a near strip-sack as Chase Young badly beat Isaiah Wynn on the edge, but Newton was able to have the ball go forward, so it was an incomplete pass. Newton did rebound with his next series as the Patriots went 64 yards in nine plays leading to a Nordin field goal. The drive did end on a very bad screen pass from Newton intended for James White. Overall, it was what we’ve seen from Newton in training camp — solid, but every six or seven throws he makes one that makes you go, “What the heck was that?”
2. Jones replaced Newton for the third Patriots drive and it was notable the starting offensive line stayed out there. Damien Harris and Jonnu Smith were replaced, but besides that Jones worked primarily with the starters. Jones led the Patriots down the field, but stalled once in Washington territory. The rookie had a great throw to Kristian Wilkerson up the sideline that would have been a 34-yard touchdown, but it went off his hands. After that one drive he worked with backups. Jones played the first series of the third quarter where he simulated the two-minute offense running no-huddle. He was 7-for-8 with 41 yards before stalling once again in Washington territory. The rookie played five series before being replaced by Brian Hoyer.
3. Jones looked very good. The moment of his first NFL game was not too much for him, as he seemed calm and poised. The offense also looked much like we’ve seen in training camp with him under center — the ball coming out quick and to the right receiver. He also did a nice job of checking down to a running back when needed. Finally, he checked off the two-minute box as he was impressive on his drive coming out of the halftime break. This was a very solid debut and only continues his momentum in the quarterback competition with Newton.
4. Defensively, Matt Judon seems like the right deal. He made an immediate impact as on third down of the opening drive he came off the edge and got the stop. The former Baltimore Raven figures to have a big role with the defense. He did get banged up and was forced to make a quick trip to the blue medical tent, but he only missed one or two plays. Judon seems to be fitting in nicely with his new team.
5. If you were hoping N’Keal Harry would break out in the preseason opener, you left disappointed. Despite getting a ton of snaps, the third-year played had one catch on one target for four yards and it didn’t come until the third quarter. He did play ahead of Kendrick Bourne, but perhaps that was just to give him more opportunities. Harry stands out in 1-on-1 drills in practices, but still cannot carry it over to team work and games. Kristian Wilkerson was the Patriots’ leading receiver, finishing with six catches for 39 yards. He’s making a solid case to make the final roster. But as for the receivers group as a whole, it wasn't a great night. They all for the most part struggled to get open.
6. Nordin continues to impress. The rookie kicker was 3-for-3 on field goals, including from 40 and 50 yards out. He did miss an extra point, so you’d like to see more consistency. With Nick Folk injured, he’s certainly making the most of his opportunities and turning this into a kicking competition. Folk does have roughly $1.5 million guaranteed, which could make it tough to release him.
7. Josh Uche was all over the field for the defense, as he rushed the passer on a few plays and then when the second unit came in he was playing in the middle of the defense. He had a great spring and it seems to have carried over into the summer. He got banged up at the very end of the first half, but it doesn’t seem to be serious as he watched the second half from the sideline.
8. 2019 second-round pick Joejuan Williams appears squarely on the roster bubble. The defensive back was still on the field late in the game on a night when the starters and backups were done at or before halftime. He did get an interception in the fourth quarter off a tipped pass in the secondary. The one thing that helps his cause is he contributed on special teams even early in the game.
9. For the most part the Patriots played their starters a series or two, which was likely the plan going in. They will get a ton of work this coming week in Philly during joint practices with the Eagles. Historically, this means they will once again see minimal playing time next week.
10. This was the first game at Gillette Stadium with fans in over 500 days and it truly was a great sight to see. While it was just a preseason game, the fans were into it from the start and gave Jones a loud standing ovation when he took to the field late in the first quarter. This is the only Patriots home preseason game this year as they will take on the Eagles in Philly next Thursday and close the preseason at MetLife Stadium against the Giants.