The final preseason game has ended, and there are certainly some things to talk about. The New England Patriots decided to rest numerous of their presumed starters, giving increased opportunities to those looking to carve out a spot on the roster.
So, let’s get into some takeaways from Thursday’s loss to the Giants:
1. Offensive Line Rotation
With numerous of the key offensive line starters sitting in the final preseason game, the Patriots used this as an opportunity to try out some different combinations and give players an opportunity to prove themselves and earn a spot.
Ben Brown started the game at center, while rookie Jared Wilson began at left guard. Marcus Bryant, who has stepped in for Morgan Moses throughout training camp kicked things off at right tackle, with Sidy Sow at right guard and Vederian Lowe at left tackle.
Wilson and Brown were later replaced by Cole Strange at center and Caedan Wallace at left guard.
2. Keion White and Jabrill Peppers Take The Field
One surprising decision by the coaching staff was to see safety Jabrill Peppers and defensive end Keion White take the field for the final preseason game despite many others sitting. Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about this.
“Because I decided and talked to Keion, and wanted to see him work on some things and develop and continue to improve,” he explained. “He was excited about playing and wanted to play more.”
As for Peppers, he was out there because they wanted to see him play alongside rookie Craig Woodson.
3. WR Jeremiah Webb Impresses
Rookie Jeremiah Webb had a nice night, finishing with 3-of-4 targets for 31 yards and made an impressive touchdown catch from Ben Wooldridge.
4. Kicker Battle
Veteran kicker Parker Romo had the night off, with rookie Andy Borregales getting the attempts on Thursday. Specifically, he missed a 49-yard field goal after having already missed a 57-yard attempt in Minnesota. Romo had made his 57-yard attempt during the first preseason game.
“I think he’s hitting the ball okay,” Vrabel said. “We expect to make those kicks. We’ll have to see how this thing plays out. We have two kickers that we have a lot of faith in.”
5. Not The Best Night For Javon Baker
Baker has been on the roster bubble throughout the preseason, and it seemed like he might have earned himself a spot as the seventh receiver, along with contributing on special teams. However, Baker struggled in the final preseason game, catching one pass on seven targets, and having dropped a pass and then was later flagged for offensive pass interference.
Baker’s chances of making the 53-man roster will come down to special teams.
6. What’s The Latest With Kyle Dugger
Dugger had an impressive game on Thursday, looking to put some quality play on tape as his fate with the Patriots remains in question. Dugger ended the night with an interception, a pass breakup, and three tackles.
When speaking with reporters after the game, Dugger said, “things are gonna go how they go,” when asked about his future with he team, according to WEEI’s Tom Carroll.
7. Ben Wooldridge Plays The Entire Game
Undrafted free agent quarterback Ben Wooldridge played the entire game on Thursday, finishing the night by completing 10-of-20 passes for 82 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
8. Ja’Lynn Polk Out For the Season
The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed confirmed the report that Ja’Lynn Polk is set to have season-ending shoulder surgery. So following Thursday’s game, Vrabel was asked if he has anything to add to that report.
“I’d like to find out where some of these come from,” he said. “You know, some of these rats around here. So, we’ll figure that out.”
What’s Next?
The Patriots must get their 90-man roster down to 53 on Tuesday, Aug. 26 by 4 p.m. ET.
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