Drake Maye continues impressive summer despite offensive line problems and other Patriots preseason game observations against Commanders
Hyattsville, MD – There was some good, but a whole lot of bad when it came to the the New England Patriots final preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night. This was the final chance for some players to show their worth, with the team having to narrow the roster to 53-players by Tuesday […]
Hyattsville, MD – There was some good, but a whole lot of bad when it came to the the New England Patriots final preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.
This was the final chance for some players to show their worth, with the team having to narrow the roster to 53-players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Some showed how much they can add, while others really struggled.
The Patriots ultimately lost 20-10.
So let's get into the main observations, starting with how Drake Maye fared.
1. Drake Maye has promising performance despite O-Line struggles
The Patriots offensive line was horrendous on Sunday night. But we'll get into that in a little bit. Right now, let's talk about Drake Maye.
The rookie quarterback came out swinging, scrambling for 17 yards on a 3rd-and-14 followed by a 29 yard completion to Ja'Lynn Polk. He then hit DeMario Douglas for 16 yards and finished his first drive off with a 18 yard touchdown play to running back Kevin Harris.
Oh and not to mention, he even completed a pass without a shoe at one point.
The offensive line's issues prevented Maye and the offense from being able to do anything else major, but he showed flashes of brilliance and promise.
He almost had a nice play to K.J. Osborn for another touchdown, showing some quick thinking and mobility, but it was erased due to a penalty.
Maye finished the night going 13-for-20, for 126 yards and a touchdown. He also added an additional 17 rushing yards.
2. Jacoby Brissett in some pain after sack
This one wasn't on Jacoby Brissett. Clearly something went wrong on the offensive line, and the veteran had no time in the pocket as Commanders DE K.J. Henry knocked him to the ground.
And the cameras caught him grimacing in pain after the hit.
Brissett only played the one drive and was then replaced by Drake Maye.
Here is the play:
3. Big Thumbs Down for the Offensive Line
There was really nothing good to highlight from the offensive line's performance on Sunday. They were undisciplined and gave the quarterbacks no chance of making any plays.
They had eight penalties in the first half alone, and then you also have to account for the two bad snaps and one lineman stepping on Maye's shoe in the middle of a play.
This is the biggest issue for the Patriots right now heading into the regular season and could have a huge impact on the starting quarterback decision.
The starting offensive line was the same that we've seen in practice this past week with Vederian Lowe sidelined with an injury.
LT: Chukwuma Okorafor
LG: Sidy Sow
C: Nick Leverett
RG: Layden Robinson
RT: Mike Onwenu
**David Andrews got the night off
4. Patriots starting left guard ruled out with injury
While it wasn't a good night for the offensive line, the depth at the position is even worse based on what we've seen this summer.
Sidy Sow has been a consistent presence at left guard and once again started the game there on Sunday. However, he suffered an ankle injury and walked over to the sidelines with trainers. He was ruled questionable to return in the first half, but at the start of the third quarter, he was quickly ruled out.
5. Why is DeMario Douglas returning punts?
This has been one of the most questionable and controversial decision this preseason.
Douglas was the team's top receiver last year and is primed for a strong second year. But he did sustain some injuries including two concussions in 2023.
So why risk him getting injured by putting him back to return punts in a preseason game?
This one doesn't make much sense.
6. Kicking Competition Update
The New England Patriots gave Chad Ryland his first opportunity in a game to attempt a field goal. The kicker came out in the third quarter to finish over a drive by Joe Milton III, and was good from 37 yards.
Joey Slye on the other hand, did suffer his first miss of the preseason. However, it was a 64 yard field goal attempt to end the half.
7. Joe Giles-Harris Interception
Joe Giles-Harris has had a very nice preseason, but has been a bubble player going into roster cuts. However, he just helped his case with a nice interception in the game.
This is how you want to end the preseason.
Another player worth mentioning is linebacker Christian Elliss who had double-digit tackles before leaving the game with a head injury.
8. Matt Launders Wasted No Time
Despite just joining the team this past week, Matt Launders made his impact known.
The wide receiver had a nice catch and run on a pass from Joe Milton III in the second half for 34 yards. He showed off some impressive speed and nice foot skills.
9. What's Next
The preseason has officially ended, and the Patriots will now turn their attention to the first game of the regular season.
New England will travel and face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 8.
