After two joint practices with the Raiders, both teams got tested Friday night. It was an ugly game for New England, and after the game, Bill Belichick opened his press conference by saying, “Well, we didn’t have a really good night tonight in any phase of the game.” With that being said, here are my eight takeaways riding into the final week before the regular season.
1. The offense still needs work.
New England’s offense does not look good, which is an understatement. Bellichick decided to play the starters, and the Raiders did the opposite playing all back-ups.
The Patriots opened the game with a three-and-out, an interception, and another three-and-out. However, Mac Jones’s last drive was the most successful because they went five-wide, spreading the receivers across the field. This is where Mac Jones excels the highest, and two of his best throws came on this drive: a 13-yard completion to Nelson Agahlor and a 15-yard completion to Hunter Henry over the middle.
When Mac Jones threw a perfect over-the-shoulder pass in the end-zone, it was a glimpse of what’s to come, but the touchdown got called back because of OPI against Devante Parker.
2. Ty Montgomery goes down.
On the second drive of the game, running back Ty Montgomery suffered an ankle injury and had to be carted off the field. He was later ruled out. Montgomery has had a strong training camp and looked to take over James White’s notorious third down back role.
If Ty’s injury is serious, look for the third-year veteran J.J. Taylor to take over. Taylor had two catches for 22 yards and had an outstanding hustle play on the brain Hoyer strip sack.
3. A disappointing night for Mac Jones
After a rough week of practice, Mac did not look sharp in the pre-season finale; Jones went 9-for-13 for 71 yards and an interception with a 50.5 passer rating. Mac did not look comfortable in the pocket and had to escape pressure multiple times. Although this is partly on the offensive line, the quarterback is the offense’s leader and needs to execute better. His interception was ugly and threw right into pressure.
This pre-season, Mac finished 13/21 (62%) for 132 yards with an interception and a QB rating of 60. That stat line is against back-ups playing with starters. The following 15 days will be vital, and Mac and company have to come out of this offensive “slump.”
4. Revenge game for former Patriots
Multiple former Patriots had impressive games last night. Former fourth-round draft pick Jarret Stidham went 4/6 for 72 yards and a 107.7 passer rating. Stidham and the backup offense looked better than the Patriots starting defense.
Meanwhile, former practice squad wide receiver Isaiah Zuber had an interception late in the game. Zuber is fighting for a roster spot and is playing both sides of the ball. Also, edge rusher Tashawn Bower had a forced fumble and two sacks.
5. Peppers is hot in his return.
Jabril Peppers finally flashed on the field Friday night in a highly anticipated return. Pepper tore his ACL last fall and had been working his way back on the field. His experience and versatility should help out the Patriots secondary.
Peppers had a couple of big hits and returned a punt last night. He also played linebacker, proving he has what it takes to secure a roster spot.
6. Rookie running backs fighting for the final spot
Kevin Harris and Pierce Strong Jr. are both fighting for a roster spot. Harris had the better pre-season game rushing for 54 yards on four carries, including a 33-yard run. Harris fumbled in the fourth quarter, which benched him for the remainder of the game.
Strong had two carries for four yards but did have some explosive plays that were called back due to penalties.
7. Three players on the bubble were ruled out
Three players fighting for a roster spot were ruled out for the game—cornerback Shaun Wade, tight end Devin Asasi and offensive lineman Bill Murray.
Wade and Murray were both limited in joint practices, while Asiasi is dealing with a “minor quad injury,” per a report from the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan. Asasi and Wade were on the roster bubble coming into the game.
8. On to Miami
Patriots fans have to remember it’s pre-season, but with that being said, the Patriots play Miami in 15 days and have to figure out their recipe for success. For one, I am just glad the pre-season is over.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
