New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots open their preseason schedule Friday when they host the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.
The two teams held a joint practice Wednesday, highlighted by head coach Mike Vrabel walking away with a cut on his face after jumping into a pile to break up a fight.
All eyes continue to be on the development of quarterback Drake Maye, who’s looked sharp so far in training camp.
So what’s the biggest question facing the Patriots when they take the field Friday night?
“How does the offensive line hold up? Vrabel said all healthy players should expect to play in the preseason opener, but wasn’t sure how long,” ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss wrote Wednesday.
“That means that first-round pick Will Campbell and third-round pick Jared Wilson are likely start at left tackle and left guard, respectively,” Reiss continued. “Seven-year veteran Garrett Bradbury projects as the starting center, with six-year veteran Mike Onwenu at right guard and 12-year vet Morgan Moses at right tackle.
“Better protection for quarterback Drake Maye is a must,” Reiss concluded.
Maye went 15-for-19 with one interception during 11-on-11s on Wednesday, according to NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry. They also noted that Campbell, the No. 4 pick overall in the 2025 NFL Draft had a “strong day.”
Wednesday’s open practice pitted Maye, the No. 3 pick overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, against Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick overall last year.
According to Curran, Perry and Reiss, Daniels struggled in the red zone against the Patriots defense.
Friday’s game will be New England’s only home game during the preseason.
On Saturday, Aug. 16 the Patriots visit the Minnesota Vikings.
On Thursday, Aug. 21 Vrabel leads the team down I-95 to face the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
