Pats Pulpit
The Mike Vrabel era officially gets underway for the New England Patriots on Friday night. They will open their 2025 preseason by welcoming the Washington Commanders to Gillette Stadium.
As the head coach shared this week, healthy players are expected to suit up. As a consequence, the game could provide a limited look at quarterback Drake Maye, fourth overall draft pick Will Campbell, and New England’s top offense.
Follow along down below for the preseason opener live from Gillette Stadium.
Friday, August 8, 7:30 p.m. ET | Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA | Broadcast Information | Players to watch
The Commanders won the toss and deferred, but Drake Maye and the offense never touched the field. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson fielded the kick and showcased his patented speed taking it back 100 yards for a touchdown. [Patriots 7 : 0 Commanders]
Washington’s first offensive drive ended rather quickly, as Sam Hartman’s pass over the middle was incomplete with Alex Austin making a late play on the football.
Following three straight runs to move the chains, New England’s next third-down ended in a turnover. As Maye tried to escape the pocket to his left, a throwaway with a defender nearby resulted in a strip sack which was recovered by Washington.
Taking over at New England’s 30-yard line, the Patriots defense held strong to force a field goal — which Matt Gay pushed wide left from 49 yards out.
TreVeyon Henderson started New England’s next drive with an 18-yard gain on the ground before a face mask penalty added 15 more. Down near the goal line after a 17-yard scramble from Maye, the quarterback took it himself from five yards out for the score. [Patriots 14 : 0 Commanders]
Down two scores, Washington picked up a first-down on the ground before Sam Hartman’s pass was intercepted by D.J. James, who continues his strong summer in the New England secondary.
Joshua Dobbs took over at quarterback following the interception. Five straight runs move New England into a goal-to-go situation, where Dobbs’ pass fell incomplete. Andy Borregales’ 22-yard field goal was good. [Patriots 17 : 0 Commanders]
Second Quarter
The Patriots primary starting defense continued to hold strong to open quarter No. 2. After one first-down through the air to Michael Gallup, Hartman’s third-down scramble was short of the sticks resulting in a punt.
New England’s offense got back on the move on a play-action bootleg to Jaheim Bell for 18 yards and two touches for Antonio Gibson. Eventually stalling, Parker Romo connected on a 57-yard field to further extend the lead. [Patriots 20 : 0 Commanders]
Down three scores, Hartman got Washington’s offense on the move with a pair of third-down conversions including a 16-yard completion to Gallup. A third-down ball to K.J. Osborn in the end zone was then broken up by Alex Austin, leading to a 37-yard field goal. [Patriots 20 : 3 Commanders]
New England’s kick return game continued to make...
