New England Patriots: 3 Players to watch in Week 2 of the Preseason

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 9 : Mike Gillislee #35 of the New England Patriots in action during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

– Mike Gillislee

One of the players on the Patriots from last season that could be on the chopping block is running back, Mike Gillislee. The Patriots brought in Gillislee from the Buffalo Bills last season, and after a three-touchdown performance in the first game, Gillislee’s season went downhill.

Coming into this season, the Patriots have some talented players at the running back position, and there appears to be three players fighting for one spot. Those three players are Gillislee, Jeremy Hill, and Ralph Webb.

In the first preseason game against the Washington Redskins, both Hill and Webb played very well, as they combined to score three touchdowns. Hill was the running back that really stood out, as he totaled 51 rushing yards, which led the team. Also, he was able to average 5.1 yards per carry, which was nearly two yards per carry higher than Gillislee.

After the disappointing season last year for Gillislee, he had to know that his job wasn’t safe coming into this season. In Week 2 of the preseason, Gillislee really needs to have a better game than Hill and Webb if he wants to get closer in this battle for the final running back spot. With a strong game on Thursday, Gillislee could make up some ground.

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