The Patriots wrapped up the preseason with a 20-10 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night. 

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Here are seven takeaways from the loss as the Patriots are onto Cincinnati. 

1. Maye Day: Drake Maye took over for Jacoby Brissett after the first series and proceeded to lead the team on an 11 play, 88 yard drive that was capped off by an 18 yard touchdown pass to running back Kevin Harris. The highlight of the drive was a 17 yard run by Maye on third down inside his own twenty to extend the drive. Maye finished 13-of-20 for 126 yards and a touchdown pass. He had a 99.2 passer rating. 

He has outplayed Brissett and looks more ready to start the season than he does. 

2. Brissett Hurt: Brissett only played one series and he ended up getting hurt. The Patriots ultimately deemed him questionable to return with a shoulder injury. Brissett was only scheduled to play one series, so it did not matter. The bigger issue is his long term health. The Patriots need him to stay healthy if the plan is to start him against the Bengals. Brissett’s health status could ultimately determine what they do regarding naming a starter. 

3. Nightmare night for offensive line: The offensive was pathetic. Plain and simple. The starting five had to be reshuffled due to injuries and the group that started almost got both Brissett and Maye hurt. Not only were they bad physically, they were bad mentally as well. As a whole, tje offensive line committed ten penalties including four illegal formation calls because the tackles lined up too far off the ball. Calling this unit’s performance a debacle would be an understatement. Scott Peters and the offensive line assistants will earn their money this season. There’s no sugar coating it. This group is terrible. 

4. Chuks will pukes: Okorafor had three of the four illegal formation penalties and one of them cost the Patriots a touchdown on a spectacular play by Maye. Needless to say, Chuks will toss his cookies when he watches the film. His performance closed the door on any talk that he is a left tackle. He didn’t just struggle lining up, he struggled on pass protection as well. He shouldn’t play on the left side unless it is absolutely necessary. 

5. Some starters on defense play: Some of the defensive starters played a fair amount. Mayo said he wanted to get the majority of the starters some work and he did that. The starters who did play on defense looked but it is hard to truly evaluate them considering they were going up against Washington’s threes. 

6. Sow long: Sidy Sow hurt his ankle and did not return. He was spotted with a walking boot after the game. It is another blow for an offensive line that can ill-afford another injury. 

7. Mop up duty for Zappe: Mayo said all four quarterbacks would play but we figured they would all play more than one series. I get Brissett only playing one series but not playing Zappe more is mind boggling. It is another sign that he is not in the team’s future plans.