FOXBOROUGH — It was a jam-packed night as New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft spoke about Tom Brady’s legacy before unveiling a statue of the quarterback that will forever live at Gillette Stadium.
Mike Vrabel was among the many who were in attendance for Brady’s ceremony, but he quickly had to depart as it was the start of a new era for the Patriots, with the first preseason game against the Commanders taking place.
And there was plenty to see during the game, with many players taking advantage of their opportunities.
Here are the main takeaways from the Patriots 48-18 win over the Commanders:
1. TreVeyon Henderson Stole The Show
Washington was responsible for the opening kickoff, with TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson deep for the return. The ball soared right into the hands of Henderson, who immediately took off, showcasing his speed. And from there, he was able to get through everyone, beginning the game with a 100-yard touchdown run.
Henderson didn’t stop there, also having a few nice runs and one reception. Plus, on one of the runs, he was able to draw a facemask penalty and add 15 yards to the end of the play.
It’s just the start for the Patriots’ 2025 second-round pick, but if this is any indication, he is going to be a nice weapon for Drake Maye and the offense this season.
2. Drake Maye
The second-year quarterback did some good things, but there was one mistake that overshadowed it all. In the Patriots’ opening drive, Maye was strip-sacked by Commanders defensive lineman Ricky Barber, with Washington defensive end Jacob Martin recovering.
“That’s a bad decision. I think we’re going to need better from him,” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “I think he knows that. That’s obvious.”
Maye finished the night completing 3-of-5 passes for 12 yards, along with two carries for 16 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
3. Will Campbell and Jared Wilson Have Some Ups and Downs
There will always be growing pains for rookies, especially in a unique situation like this where two are playing alongside each other in their first NFL game. So, for Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, there is still room to improve, but their efforts on some plays should also be acknowledged.
“I think the play demeanor showed. I think there was a game, maybe a pass-rush game, that looked like to me, and those are some things that we’ll continue to work hard on,” Vrabel said of the rookie offensive linemen after the game. “I certainly did see their play demeanor kind of stand out. I think that’s a good place to start, is with that. Being downfield, finishing through the whistle and everything, we embrace that here.”
Other Offensive Line Notes:
With Morgan Moses not playing, Marcus Bryant got the start on the offensive line, playing beside Mike Onwenu. Garrett Bradbury began the game at center but was replaced by Ben Brown on the starting offense’s second series.
4. D.J. James Continues to Shine
It’s been an impressive preseason for D.J. James, and it only got better on Friday night. The young cornerback intercepted Washington quarterback Sam Hartman in the first quarter.
Undrafted rookie cornerback Jordan Polk also recorded an interception in the first preseason game.
5. Ja’Lynn Polk Leaves Game Early With Apparent Shoulder Injury
Ja’Lynn Polk exited Friday’s game early, having suffered an injury to what appeared to be his arm or shoulder in the second quarter. The wide receiver went into the blue medical tent and then departed for the locker room. It’s also worth noting that Polk had shoulder surgery this offseason.
6. Efton Chism III Finished As The Patriots’ Top Receiver
While the undrafted free agent was an early favorite in the spring, it’s been a quieter training camp thus far. But, in the first preseason game, he took advantage of the increased opportunities, leading all Patriots receivers with six receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown.
7. Truman Jones Continues to Impress
Outside linebacker Truman Jones was one that many probably counted out at the beginning of the summer, but he has a very good chance of making the 53-man roster. And what was most notable about his opportunities on Friday was that he seems to be above Anfernee Jennings on the depth chart.
8. Javon Baker’s Special Teams Contributions
With Marcellas Dial on injured reserve and officially out for the season, the Patriots need a gunner to play opposite Brenden Schooler, and it was Javon Baker who stepped up in this first game. Considering the competition at receiver, this might be Baker’s best chance to make the roster.
9. Kicking Competition
Andy Borregales and Parker Romo battled it out once again, but this time they got to do so in a game. And they both hit every attempt they were given.
Borregales made a 22-yard field goal along with three extra points, while Romo nailed a 57-yard field goal along with three extra points.
10. Who Didn’t Play?
- WR Stefon Diggs
- CB Christian Gonzalez
- DT Christian Barmore
- CB Carlton Davis
- EDGE Harold Landry
- Ot Morgan Moses
- EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson
- WR Kendrick Bourne
- LB Jahlani Tavai,
- OT Vederian Lowe,
- OT/G Caedan Wallace
- G Sidy Sow.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 10 takeaways from Patriots’ Week 1 preseason win over Commanders
