Six things to watch in the Patriots’ preseason opener

Author Alex Barth

August 12th, 2021 6:00 AM

The Patriots’ Thursday night preseason opener against Washington may be one of, if not the most anticipated August game in franchise history. Not only is it the first preseason game in two years, and the first Patriots game of any kind in front of fans in almost 600 days, but there’s plenty of football intrigue as well.

This will be the Patriots’ introduction to the NFL’s new preseason format, which features three games instead of four. How many starters and backups would play in each game became relatively predictable in the four-game format, but Bill Belichick hasn’t been open about what kind of adjustments he’ll make with one fewer game.

Then of course, there’s the players themselves. It’s the first time fans will see Mac Jones – the first first-round quarterback drafted by the team since 1993 – in live reps. Other players will be looking to build on strong starts to camp, while others who had higher expectations coming into the summer will do their best to make up for lost ground.

Who has the best chance to make an impact on Thursday night? Here’s a look at some of the more fascinating players and positional groups to keep an eye on against Washington.

• Mac Jones

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  Thursday night will be the first chance we have to see Mac Jones get live NFL reps. The question is, how many will he take? Given the unprecedented nature of the quarterback position, it's hard to say. Will he get a quarter? More?
  
  Then there's the matter of who he takes his reps with, which may be more important for those trying to track his progress towards the starting job. Does he work exclusively with the presumed offensive starters? The backups? A mix?
  
  Regardless of who he plays with or against, there are elements of Jones' game that can be evaluated in full for the first time. Namely, his ball placement and how he handles defensive pressure. Making tight window throws in practice is obviously important, but its much harder to do when facing a live NFL pass rush.
  
  Also, don't be surprised if Belichick sets Jones up for a two-minute drill situation. Those situational elements have been a heavy focus throughout training camp, and one of Jones' biggest areas of growth through the last three weeks. Executing a two-minute drill in live game action is the next step.

• Rhamondre Stevenson

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  Running back is one of the hardest positions to evaluate in single-team practices, even with full pads. That's made it tough to get a read on the team's fourth-round pick, running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
  
  The preseason tends to be a time for running backs to shine, especially working against an opponent's second or third unit. Given the Patriots' lack of a true depth running back on the roster after cutting Tyler Gaffney earlier this week, Stevenson should get plenty of time on the field.
  
  These three preseason games could also be the only look we get at Stevenson in the near future. Given Bill Belichick's historical usage of rookie running backs - or lack there of - Stevenson doesn't project to see too many touches once the regular season begins.

• Depth pass catchers

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  N'Keal Harry has, of course, had an impressive star to training camp. Thursday night's game represents the next steps towards re-asserting himself as a core member of the Patriots offense. It's not just an opportunity to evaluate Harry's performance, but the team's usage of him as well.
  
  While Harry's agent certainly spoke with conviction in his trade request, it's not like he was entirely wrong. The way the team has used Harry over the last two years hasn't exactly allowed him to play to his strengths. It's not like the Patriots will show their entire Week 1 game plan in a preseason game, but the general types of routes Harry runs should be an indication.
  
  There's a number of other depth pass catchers who have made a strong push towards the roster throughout camp. Kristian Wilkerson and Matt LaCosse are among those fighting for the final couple of roster spots and will try to up their stock with a big game against Washington.
• Harvey Langi

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  The Patriots have plenty of depth at linebacker, but there's still roster spots to be won. That's especially true in the middle of the defense.
  
  Harvey Langi had a few strong days early in camp, but hasn't flashed much since. Yet with Raekwon McMillan now out of the season and Terez Hall still on IR, he should see plenty of playing time Thursday night.
  
  Can Langi put together a solid game and make a run at the third MIKE linebacker spot behind Dont'a Hightower and Ja'Whaun Bentley? A solid performance against Washington could go a long way.

• Boundary corner

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  The Patriots will have an established third boundary by the time the season starts. Somebody, by default, will have to win that battle. But right now, it feels like a battle of attrition.
  
  2019 second-round pick Joejuan Williams seemed like the favorite for that role heading into the summer, but hasn't stood out through three weeks of camp. Michael Jackson Sr. has an interception five pass breakups over the last three practices, but hasn't been consistent in coverage. Jalen Mills has seen reps at the position as well, but seems to be a better fit as a more versatile defender as opposed to being tied to one position.
  
  Will any player use Thursday night to separate themselves in this race? As mentioned above, Jackson has built up a little momentum, which isn't a bad thing heading into the first preseason game. But unless somebody steps up and claims the role, the Patriots may find themselves looking for an external candidate once roster cuts roll around.

• Quinn Nordin

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  Rookie kicker Quinn Nordin has gotten off to an impressive start in camp, including going 14-of-14 on field goals between the two in-stadium practices. Yet as Belichick was quick to point out earlier this week, that's hardly an indication that the team's lone UDFA is NFL ready.
  
  "Quinn's improved. He's still got a long way to go, but he's improved," Belichick said on Monday. "It's a good opportunity for him to kick inside. Of course it's ideal conditions. Can't get it really much better than that. No wind, turf. We'll keep challenging him in different situations and see how he responds just like everybody else. No rush."
  
  While it will hardly be a snowstorm on Thursday, the level of difficulty will be cranked up at least a bit. Nordin will face a live NFL rush for the first time, and will have some sort of game situation at stake. We'll see how many chances the Patriots give him, but if he's really going to make a run at the starting kicker job, this is the next step.

MORE: Patriots roster projection 1.0

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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