The New England Patriots beat the absolute brakes off the Washington Commanders, 48-18, in Friday’s preseason opener at Gillette Stadium.
Yes, it was as dominant a showing as the score would indicate. No, the score ultimately doesn’t matter, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t valuable information to be gained from witnessing the thrashing, particularly as it pertains to a couple of dudes on the home sideline.
It’s a new era in New England, but everyone’s favorite series is making a return, so let’s talk about some studs and duds, shall we?
STUDS
LB Truman Jones (No. 54)
Jones has completely transformed himself over the last two years, developing from a lower-level collegiate defensive lineman to a versatile chess piece that can play both on- and off-ball linebacker — sort of like the guy who made his number famous at One Patriot Place. The Patriots have given him every opportunity to run away with a spot on the roster, and he continued to look worthy by racking up positive reps on defense and special teams in the victory.
S Craig Woodson (No. 31)
Woodson was equally as effective in those two phases of the game, as the physicality he talked about following the draft shined throughout the night. New England has already implemented him into several defensive packages, which should coincide nicely with what have been some truly demonic special teams reps.
Story continues below advertisement
WR Efton Chism III (No. 86)
Chism had an extremely productive spring, and despite recently experiencing something of a cooling off period, he carried over that production into game action on Friday.
New England’s offense — under its current leader, anyway — has always favored slot receivers who can create after the catch, and the undrafted rookie proved to be the latest in a long line with a six-catch, 50-yard, one-touchdown performance in the opener. The Patriots just need to find him a roster spot.
CB D.J. James (No. 30)
James dropped the line of the century when referring to himself in the third person last week, but little did we know that he was actually just providing a spoiler of what we should all be expecting. New England is somewhat thin at cornerback, so don’t be surprised if the young fella sticks around for a while.
Story continues below advertisement
QB Ben Wooldridge (No. 17)
Wooldridge not only prevented himself from looking like a disaster, but was actually pretty competent.
Can you expect anything more out of a QB3?
RB TreVeyon Henderson (No. 32)
The Patriots found something special in their second-round pick…
Story continues below advertisement
Henderson not only took his very first touch to the house, but pitched in with some extremely promising reps on the offensive side of the ball. It’ll be interesting to see what role he plays, but you can already tell he’ll find a way to be successful.
DUDS
EDGE Keion White (No. 99)
White has been steadfast in saying that he finds success through violence and reckless abandon, but that clearly isn’t working against the run.
Story continues below advertisement
The Patriots need to improve his technique on early downs, or take him off the field.
WR Ja’Lynn Polk (No. 1)
Polk, who missed the beginning of training camp while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, was dealt a brutal blow as he seemingly injured the same shoulder on his lone touch before exiting the game early.
EDGE Anfernee Jennings (No. 33)
Jennings, a multi-year starter who has been superb in his role over the last three seasons, remained on the field until the very finals reps of the game. The Patriots seem to have moved in an entirely different direction, which could spellt he end of his time with the organization.
Story continues below advertisement
