New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots wrapped up their preseason with a lopsided 42-10 loss to the New York Giants, but the outcome mattered far less than the lingering questions at key positions.
Along the offensive line, the Patriots rested several projected starters, giving the night to a patchwork group led by Vederian Lowe, Jared Wilson, Ben Brown, Sidy Sow and Marcus Bryant.
That mix hardly resembled what will protect Drake Maye in September, but it offered a snapshot of the team’s ongoing depth battle. Nicole Yang of the Boston Globe noted, “Bryant and Lowe appear to have the edge over Jacobs. Sow, Strange and Wallace are all fighting to be depth pieces on the interior.”
While experience favors veterans like Sow and Cole Strange, athleticism from younger linemen such as Caedan Wallace may keep the competition tight into cutdown day.
Defensively, the spotlight turned toward the secondary. Safety Kyle Dugger, whose standing with the team has been in question, played deep into the fourth quarter and managed an interception, earning praise from Mike Vrabel.
Yang reported that Vrabel felt Dugger “looks like he’s feeling better on tape,” a sign his recovery from offseason surgery could finally be turning a corner. Jabrill Peppers and Craig Woodson also logged heavy snaps, underscoring the importance of communication within a group still searching for cohesion.
Special teams added its own drama, particularly at kicker. Rookie Andres Borregales missed from 49 yards after sending a 57-yarder wide left the week before, though he did connect on a 30-yarder.
Vrabel acknowledged the inconsistency, saying, “I think we expect to make those kicks.” Veteran Parker Romo did not attempt a field goal, leaving the competition unresolved with cut day looming.
With the preseason complete, New England’s toughest roster calls still await final judgment.
