Ready or not, the Patriots are on to the regular season.
New England wrapped up the preseason with a 20-10 loss against the Commanders, but more important than the result were some developments that will have the sports radio talk shows in town buzzing for the next two weeks…
The Good
Drake Maye was fantastic given the disastrous offensive line play. Maye had an 18 TD pass to Kevin Harris on his first drive, an 11-play, 88-yard roller coaster with snap issues. But, Maye was calm, cool and collected, picking up a massive first down with his legs on a 17 yard run and then he had another big pick up later in the drive by stepping up in the pocket and firing downfield to a crossing Ja’Lynn Polk for 29 yards. At one point, Sidy Sow stepped on Maye’s foot mid drop back during another drive and the rookie calmly continued along, making a decision not to launch a ball deep and taking a check down for a 14 yard gain. Later in the half, Orkorafor’s 100th penalty of the 1st half negated a ridiculous 48 yard TD to KJ Osborn where he rolled out and threw a dime on the run.
The composure, pocket maneuvering, arm strength and athleticism all stood out for Maye (13/20, 126 yards, TD) despite the O-line’s best efforts to ruin his night. With Brissett having a shoulder injury according to the team, this performance absolutely opens the door to use it as the perfect reason why they’re expediting “the plan” and playing him early if he does start against Cincinnati.
Polk and Javon Baker both looked good when Maye targeted them. Polk has shown throughout camp he should be starting Week 1, while Baker has a bit longer ways to go before he probably deserves starter reps. Baker was also playing well into the fourth quarter with Joe Milton under center, sort of signifying where he’s at on the depth chart currently. In limited action, Antonio Gibson ran hard early on as well and should play a role.
Milton showed off his speed and athleticism, along with the rocket arm , probably locking up QB3 duties as Bailey Zappe didn’t see action until just 2:58 remained. Chad Ryland is most likely going to lose out on the job to Joey Slye (who missed a 64 yard FG and a 60 yard FG to end the game), but did end a Milton drive in the 3rd with a 39 yarder.
Joe Giles-Harris had an interception in the first half and overall, it’s tough to take much from the defense’s night given who they were facing and who played a majority of the time. Although, Christian Elliss – who’s had a good camp – locked up his spot with an impressive 11-tackle performance before getting injured late (head).
The Ugly
Brissett only played one series – which is what Jerod Mayo said would likely be the case during his pregame interview on 98.5 The Sports Hub – but he took a major hit on a sack during a complete O-line implosion and was in some clear discomfort. Now, in fairness, he did come back to snaps later and throw a fantastic ball down field to KJ Osborn on third down that was dropped. But, it’s hard to be encouraged by his play this preseason, especially as a nine-year vet.
It’s hard to call what the entire offensive line did ‘ugly’ when it was downright embarrassing at times. In the first half, the unit had two bad snaps, four illegal formations, a false start and two holding calls with Maye on the field, plus the debacle that got Brissett hurt. Not only that, but Sidy Sow injured an ankle and one of Okorafor’s formation penalties wiped the TD to Osborn out.
Even if Mayo, Wolf and Van Pelt all thought Maye’s performances the last few weeks warrant him being the starter, you can obviously make the argument that putting him behind this current O-line will stunt his growth or end his career all together with an injury. It’s that bad. If the team is okay with punting on this season, then you start Brissett to save the kid and be a sacrificial lamb of sorts, But, it’s pretty clear at this point that Maye gives this team the more capable option that can make something out of nothing at any point. At some point, the guys in the locker room will be speaking up (if they aren’t already) and the staff owes it to them to try and go out and win games. These are professionals after all.
The formational stuff and other penalties are on the coaching staff as well. The Pats had a ridiculous 16 flags thrown on them. O-Line coach Scott Peters, Mayo and Van Pelt deserve a lot of of the blame there for the offensive calls and the operation and attention to details need to be much better moving forward.
Azizi Hearn sort of capped the ugliness with a brutal fourth quarter, getting shouldered by QB Trace McSorely on the sideline, then getting called for a PI and giving up a touchdown all on the same drive.
Cut down day is Tuesday where the roster will be trimmed to 53. But, all eyes will now be on the QB room and this staff has a critical decision to make in the next couple of weeks.