Additional Thoughts From New England Patriots Loss To Redskins

Aug 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up prior to the Patriots preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

4. Who played, who sat?

Bill Belichick decided to rest a ton of starters for this game, which speaks to the intensity of the previous three joint practices. Reports say Tom Brady sliced through the Redskins’ defense like it was nothing, and the Pats’ defense fared just fine as well. So that is a big reason why we shouldn’t read too much into the blowout last night, because New England never really showed up.

It was interesting that on the defensive side of the ball, Tommy Kelly, Vince Wilfork, and Brandon Browner all received some playing time. All three of these guys were either dealing with an injury last year, or dealing with a suspension this year, so I am sure that played a big role in Belichick’s decision to give them a few snaps. From what I saw, Wilfork and Kelly looked close to 100%, and Browner looked fine as well. They just need the rest of their posse out there with them to look like the stud defense they will be.