Bubble Watch: Who made the most of the Patriots’ preseason opener?

Author Alex Barth

August 13th, 2021 1:11 PM

Thursday night’s preseason opener was our first chance to see the Patriots in live game action. It was also the first chance to truly evaluate one of the deepest preseason roster the team has had in recent memory.

Which players currently on the roster bubble did the most to help their case against Washington? And who may have set themselves back? Here’s a quick check on some of the players currently on the fringe of the 53-man roster.

• J.J. Taylor

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  After a relatively uneventful start to camp, J.J. Taylor was featured early and often Thursday night and seemed to make the most of the opportunity - especially in the passing game. Taylor caught all five of his targets, picking up 31 yards. He also had two carries for 10 yards.

• N’Keal Harry

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  N’Keal Harry’s roller coaster of a preseason continues. Expectations were high for the 2019 first-round pick coming off his best camp since being drafted. Yet despite playing 61 percent of the offensive snaps - the most by any Patriots skill position player - he was targeted just once, picking up four yards on a drag route.

• Kristian Wilkerson

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  It was an up-and-down night for Kristian Wilkerson, who had the second-highest usage rate of any Patriots skill team player at 54 percent. He led the team with six catches on nine targets, picking up 39 yards. However, the most memorable part of his evening was a dropped pass in the end zone on a beautiful rainbow throw from Mac Jones.
• Matt LaCosse

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  Matt LaCosse has had a good camp so far, but it feels unlikely the Patriots will keep four tight ends. With Devin Asiasi just a year removed from being a top-100 draft pick, LaCosse could be facing an uphill battle. Still, he was the second tight end on the field last night after Jonnu Smith, a promising sign for the 28-year-old. In total, he played 54 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, although he didn’t see a target.

• William Sherman

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  The Patriots top seven offensive line spots feel relatively set, but the race for the eighth and final spot - if the team elects to keep than many players up front - is wide open. 2021 sixth-round pick William Sherman feels like a strong candidate given his potential upside, positional versatility and affordable, long term contract. However, he didn’t get too many opportunities Thursday night, playing just nine snaps on offense and five on special teams.

• Akeem Spence

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  Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was Akeem Spence playing with the first team offense over newly-signed defensive lineman Henry Anderson. Spence has been on and off the field throughout camp, but his usage Thursday night is an encouraging sign towards him making a push towards a roster spot.
• Carl Davis

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  Before seeing Spence last night, Carl Davis had been the popular name to fuel a shakeup up front defensively. His strong summer continued with a third quarter sack.

• Joejuan Williams

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  Heading into last night’s game, it felt like Michael Jackson was starting to gain ground in the competition for the third boundary corner job. Yet after getting beat a few times early, Williams rebounded and put together a solid finish that included an interception and two pass breakups - one to save the game in the final minutes. Williams was the team’s most-used defensive player, and was on the field for 78 percent of the defensive snaps.

• Michael Jackson Sr.

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  Joejuan Williams’ interception came off a pass tipped by Michael Jackson, the highlight of the night for him. He had a heavy workload as well, with a 68 percent usage rate. However, despite the performances of Williams and Jackson, Justin Bethel seeing time at corner early in the game may signify the team still isn’t sold on their internal options at the position.
• Harvey Langi

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  Thursday night was a big opportunity for Harvey Langi. With Raekwon McMillan done for the season, Terez Hall on PUP, and Anfernee Jennings not playing, he had a chance to establish himself as the favorite for the Patriots’ third middle linebacker spot. The playing time was there, with his 52 snaps being the most of any linebacker, and he recorded a team-high 10 tackles, but struggled at times in coverage.

• Quinn Nordin

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  Early on in the game, Quinn Nordin put on a show. His first field goal attempt he kicked over the netting behind the goal post from 35 yards out, then followed that up by hitting with ease from 50 and 40 yards. However, he missed an extra point late in the game, something that caught the eye of Bill Belichick. Still, after last night’s performance it feels unlikely the Patriots would be able to get him onto the practice squad, meaning he’s likely now competing head-to-head with Nick Folk for the starting job.

MORE: Did Mac Jones close the gap on Cam Newton in the preseason opener?

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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