The Patriots’ preseason win streak was snapped tonight, with New England falling 42-10 to the Giants.
As disappointing as this may be from a competitive standpoint, the true storylines lie in who may have helped or hurt their chances to make the Patriots or another active roster.
Here are my instant thoughts following the blowout defeat.
HELPED
Kyle Dugger
Unlike last week, Kyle Dugger was pulled well before the final whistle after a positive performance.
Jameis Winston targeted Dugger deep three times on the safety’s first drive. Dugger provided tight coverage on the first two, then turned an offense miscommunication into an interception on the third.
Easy interception for Kyle Dugger.
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The veteran safety also made three tackles on the series, and he added two more in the 3rd quarter on big hits from depth.
With rumors swirling that the Patriots are shopping Dugger, tonight might help spark serious conversations.
Ben Wooldridge
Ben Wooldridge has gotten off to shaky starts in each preseason game, a trend that continued tonight. The undrafted rookie’s accuracy was sporadic for most of the first half, and he failed to capitalize on two possessions in Giants territory.
But like those other performances, Wooldridge eventually settled into a groove and began picking the Giants apart. The bounce-back began with an excellent two-minute drive. Wooldridge converted three 3rd downs, including tight-window completions to John Jiles and Phil Lutz, and capped the drive with his second perfectly thrown go ball of the series.
Jeremiah Webb hauls it in for the TD!
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Wooldridge’s three batted passes gave him five for the preseason, so his release will be a significant area for improvement along with quicker starts. Wooldridge threw a pick-six on an out thrown behind Jaheim Bell, but it may have been a miscommunication where the tight-end was expected to sit between zones.
Tonight likely wasn’t enough to earn Wooldridge a spot as the third quarterback, but there’s something to work with there. He’s an enticing developmental player for the practice squad.
Jeremiah Webb
Sneaky impressive depth receiver Jeremiah Webb ended the night with three catches on four targets, totaling 31 yards and a touchdown. Webb caught two passes on New England’s two-minute drive, separating on an out-breaker and scoring on a well-tracked go ball. He also ripped off his second big return in as many weeks, slipping multiple tackles for 22 yards on a punt.
Webb has impressed in his limited opportunities, both during practice and live action, and would be a great addition to the practice squad.
Javon Baker
Javon Baker the receiver didn’t do himself many favors, dropping a slant and drawing offensive pass interference on a screen (though a high snap may have affected his timing). But it’s become clear that Baker’s short-future lies on special teams, and he continued to shine in the game’s third phase.
Baker drew an unnecessary roughness while working at gunner, then forced a turnover after running his blocker into a punt returner. This comes one week after he helped force a fair catch against the Vikings and two weeks after a two-tackle performance against the Commanders. Baker even returned a kick to start the game, though he’s unlikely to fill that role with TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson holding down the top spots.
Marte Mapu
Marte Mapu missed the Vikings joint practices and game, making this an important night for the converted linebacker. He built on a strong opener against the Commanders with five total tackles and a breakup against the Giants, showing range and competitiveness throughout his time on the field.
Mapu should make the roster as another athletic linebacker behind Christian Elliss who can also contribute as a core four special teamer.
HURT
Cole Strange
Cole Strange stood out for the wrong reasons tonight. The backup center’s red zone holding call contributed to New England settling for a field goal. He also had at least one bad snap on a high flick from shotgun, and he was thrown to the ground on a run block. Strange also had two poor snaps at practice this week and hasn’t gotten opportunities with the starters.
The former first-rounder is looking like a cut candidate after staying in the game later than backup right guard Sidy Sow.
Andy Borregales
Andy Borregales went 5-5 on field goals in Tuesday’s practice, but he’d been inconsistent in previous weeks after a strong start to the summer. The rookie did make a short attempt during the second half, but took a step back in his third preseason game by missing wide right on a 49-yard attempt.
Borregales was known for his big leg coming out of college, but he’s been shaky on long attempts. There’s virtually no chance Borregales isn’t on the Patriots after roster cuts, but the idea of Parker Romo sticking around can’t be dismissed.
Jordan Polk
Jordan Polk has been opportunistic this preseason, as evidenced by his pass breakup on a bobbled target early in the game. Unfortunately, the slot corner was called for holding on two late downs to negate big defensive plays. The first came on a Jack Gibbens forced fumble and Jabrill Peppers recovery, and the second was negated a Kobee Minor breakup on 4th down.
Polk was also beaten downfield and missed a tackle in the 4th quarter, with Marcus Epps narrowly preventing a potential score.
Kobee Minor
Quarterbacks have picked on Kobee Minor this preseason, and he’s been consistently competitive, including a 4th down breakup that was negated by penalty. That said, Winston got the better of Minor on a deep score and 3rd down slant conversion. Minor also could’ve been more competitive on an earlier go ball that was dropped.
Mr. Irrelevant’s play-style and fiery demeanor fit the new-look Patriots, but he’s more of a practice squad player at this point in his career.
Marcus Epps
Marcus Epps prevented a potential touchdown by corralling a runaway receiver, but he also allowed two touchdowns. The first was an out route where he failed to recover after losing a step against a tight end on the goal line. On the second, Epps got picked while tracking a tight end slide route across the formation. Epps’ experience is valuable, and he’s been solid overall this preseason, but this was a tough finale.
Notebook
- Jabrill Peppers played multiple series with the Patriots’ backup defense tonight. It’s notable that the veteran hadn’t yet played a preseason game with Craig Woodson and left the field when the rookie’s night ended.
- Keion White played into the second quarter tonight after losing his starting job to K’Lavon Chaisson, White was impactful, assisting on two tackles, drawing a hold, and recording an instant pressure, but the usage was concerning for a potential breakout candidate. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams and outside linebackers coach Mike Smith praised White for his play style, athleticism, and intelligence, but noted he’s still learning how to be a full-time edge defender.
- The Patriots’ first line featured Jared Wilson at left guard and Ben Brown at center. They were replaced by Caedan Wallace and Cole Strange, respectively. I thought Wilson and Brown might switch spots, but it looks like Wilson may be the team’s opening day left guard with Brown backing Garrett Bradbury, who did not play.
