The New England Patriots' first preseason game ended in a 13-13 tie with the Indianapolis Colts, and while there was plenty to be excited about, there was also plenty to critique.
Tommy DeVito looked strong, but the offensive line had their fair share of off moments. A 48-yard pass to Cameron Dorner and a 22-yard pass to Eli Raridon were both called back after penalties on the offensive line.
A Hassan Haskins rush for 13 was also reversed, totaling 83 lost yards due to the offensive line's indiscipline.
Defensively, the unit turned the Colts over four times and forced a turnover on downs after second-year edge defender Bradyn Swinson managed to knock a ball down at the line of scrimmage.
Andy Borregales missed three of five field goals, and while they weren't chip shots, making at least two of the 49-, 55-, and 56-yarders would be expected. His shortcomings turned a two-possession Patriots win into a stalemate.
The Patriots still have about two weeks to cut their roster, and they'll play a couple of games during that time to fill their last few roster spots. Their next task comes on Saturday, August 22, when the Patriots will face off against the Eagles in A.J. Brown's revenge game.
3 predictions ahead of the Patriots' Week 2 preseason affair
The RB3 situation remains murky
Terrell Jennings was placed on season-ending IR on Thursday, which was a quiet but significant blow to the Patriots' rushing attack. Jennings was in a battle with Lan Larison and Jam Miller prior to his injury, and it appears it will now be a two-horse race for the RB3 slot.
Four running backs saw carries against the Colts, but Miller was far and away the best and the most featured. On 14 carries, the former Alabama back totaled 55 yards (3.9 YPC). He did have a bad drop on a swing pass from Tommy DeVito, but his competition, Larison, was mostly a non-factor.
On seven carries, the former UC Davis Aggie managed a single yard. He was far more involved in the receiving game, with six catches for 38 yards, but his lack of rushing success is certainly a red flag.
Miller, a bruising tailback, has a play style similar to Terrell Jennings, who saw more high-profile work as a between-the-tackles back when Rhamondre Stevenson missed time last year. Larison's pass-catching and kick return ability might make him a more complementary option to what the team already has, but I'd expect the pair to remain a one-two punch when the backups come in during Week 2.
A.J. Brown is quiet in his Patriots debut
Coaches, players, and fans alike will be excited at the prospect of seeing A.J. Brown suit up for the Patriots, but the odds of him putting up massive numbers seem low. Aside from what will likely be minimal play time (likely a quarter or so), the Eagles' focus will no doubt be on keeping him quiet.
Instead, look for players like Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, and Pop Douglas to have more impressive stat lines, whatever those might look like in 15 minutes of football.
Oil and water begin to separate in the defensive backfield
The Patriots' defense was impressive, and some players certainly made names for themselves in the defensive backfield. Veteran Kindle Vildor had an interception, while rookies Karon Prunty and Channing Canada looked more than comfortable.
Second-year safety John Saunders Jr. had an interception and forced fumble.
It appears to be a three-horse race for the CB5 role, while Kobee Minor appears to be on the outside looking in as things stand. Saunders spent two days on the active roster last season before being relegated to the practice squad, but with Dell Pettus and Brenden Schooler more impactful as special teamers than safeties, there's a chance for him to carve out a role for himself as a true safety.
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