Forecast for Patriots vs. Commanders is best case scenario before roster cuts

The Patriots finish their 2024 preseason schedule with a road game in Landover, Maryland, to play the Washington Commanders on what is looking like a nearly perfect night. The last two games against the Panthers and the Eagles were anything but, with rain making the game more difficult for the players to perform well and the coaches to evaluate the team.

Fortunately, the current forecast for this Sunday night matchup is expected to be mostly clear skies with a low of 66° and low winds. It's more favorable conditions with the roster cut deadline just around the corner, which is set for Tuesday, August 27.

The new regime in New England will have a lot to consider when narrowing down the roster from the 90 players currently signed to the season-allotted 53, plus the 16 players that each team is allowed to relegate to their practice squad.

Most of the focus will inevitably be on the offense, especially the quarterbacks, with all four supposed to be playing.

Because the Patriots are one of the last teams with a rookie quarterback left to name a starter, how Drake Maye plays will dominate the conversation, even more so as demands for him to play Week 1 have become increasingly louder.

The receiving corps will be another noteworthy competition to watch, with just four spots presumed to be locked up already. That leaves two to three more openings for players to compete for, and the battle is looking a lot closer than expected so far.

The other spots of emphasis will be on the pass rush now that Matthew Judon is no longer on the team and if we get a clear indication of who will be named the Patriots kicker for the season ahead, which looks like it's already Joey Slye. The veteran was the specialist for last week's game, and if that continues this week, it's fair to assume Chad Ryland is being ousted.

All of this will be going down in Washington, D.C. on Sunday night, with the teams getting lucky with the perfect weather for roster evaluation.

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