Patriots win preseason opener

A clear look at how Friday night’s Patriots preseason win over the Commanders maps out roster battles and early momentum.

Patriots open preseason with growing depth and pace

Real football returned to Foxborough as the Patriots defeated the Washington Commanders 48-18 on Friday night. The Patriots rolled out their starters for the first quarter, while Washington rested most of its players, creating a mix of evaluation and development. TreVeyon Henderson provided the opening spark with a 100-yard kickoff return, and Antonio Gibson and Lan Larison added notable returns. The team focused on quick decisions and clean substitutions, with penalties kept to a minimum and plays unfolding without mental mistakes.

On offense, Drake Maye worked two early drives. A left-side breakdown on that first series led to a fumble, prompting a candid review from coach Mike Vrabel who said, That's a bad decision. We have to be better with the ball. Maye rebounded on the second drive, finishing with a five-yard rushing touchdown and showing improved poise. The shifting interior line and center competition surfaced as Bradbury and Brown swapped roles and others filled gaps, suggesting a real battle for the starting center spot. Westover stepped back into a fullback role, providing lead blocking for several touchdown runs. Khyiris Tonga continued to push up front, and the secondary grew with plays from D. J. James and Jordan Polk, including an interception and a late tip-drill pick. The kicking duel between Borregales and Romo remained tight, with both delivering and kickoffs remaining consistently productive.

The night underscored how the Patriots are building depth with a clear plan. Henderson’s early impact signals a potential special teams and playmaking edge at the back end of the roster. Maye’s turnover is a reminder that the rookie quarterback still has learning to do, even as he showed a strong second-drive response. The offensive line’s constant rotation points to a real competition for the center position, with Brown getting serious consideration and Bradbury returning to center on occasion. Tonga’s continued pressure offers hope that the defensive line can pressure QBs without sacrificing run defense, a crucial balance for a team still searching for reliability up front. D. J. James’s interception, paired with right-now growth from younger players like Chism and Westover, hints at a deeper, more versatile depth chart. Finally, the kicker battle remains open, but special teams consistency is an encouraging sign for a unit that often matters most in close games.

Highlights

As camp continues, the Patriots will refine rotations and push players to separate themselves in upcoming exhibitions.