The New England Patriots finished up their 2023 preseason schedule with a 23-7 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Friday night at Nissan Stadium. Though nearly all of the team’s projected starters didn’t play, the game still featured plenty of players who will make the team and varying performances from guys on the roster bubble.
Here are eight players who we graded “UP” or “DOWN” based on Friday night’s game, and in some cases, their chances of making the Patriots’ 53-man roster…
UP: RB Pierre Strong Jr.
New England Patriots running back Pierre Strong Jr. (35) gets tackled by Tennessee Titans safety Mike Brown (44) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. (Syndication: The Tennessean)
It was … um … a strong preseason finale for Pierre Strong. This was the first time all summer he really seemed to pop a little bit, totaling 44 yards on 10 touches. Strong showed good speed and nimble footwork as he shuffled his way up the field.
Strong’s roster spot probably wasn’t in danger in the first place, but he may have done enough to solidify himself as the No. 3 back behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Eekiel Elliott. J.J. Taylor had a solid game as well, until his punt return gaffe, but he gets an honorable mention at this position.
DOWN: QB Bailey Zappe
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots warms up before facing the Tennessee Titans during a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
Just a disaster of a night for Mac Jones’ backup. Zappe finished 8-of-15 (53.3 percent), no touchdowns, and no interceptions – a passer rating of 62.2. He fumbled three times, losing it once.
Zappe’s worst moment was a huge missed connection with Malik Cunningham, after which he appeared to scold the rookie receiver. That ostensibly earned him an earful from Bill O’Brien on the sidelines. The second-year pro should still be the backup over anyone else on the roster, but he did nothing to bring back “Zappe Fever” in this game.
(Throw) UP: LB Ronnie Perkins
Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) is tackled for a loss by New England Patriots linebacker Ronnie Perkins (51) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Perkins’ best highlight was puking on the field before a play, then making the tackle. Nine total tackles, one for a loss of yardage, and a QB hit for Perkins, who has stuck around on the roster into his third season despite minimal playing time.
If he needed this game in order to earn a roster spot, he made a good case for himself.
DOWN: DT Carl Davis
Jul 30, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Carl Davis Jr (98) works out at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Davis appears here simply because he played so much. That’s often a bad sign for veteran players in the final preseason game. The Patriots tried to add another nose tackle, Marquan McCall, earlier this week. It feels like Davis is right on the borderline of the roster, after tonight.
UP: LB Calvin Munson
Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (32) runs for a short gain during the first half against the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
A highly productive night for the veteran linebacker, and not terribly surprising for those who have been watching him at camp. He’s been making a push for a roster spot for a few weeks now, getting meaningful reps with both the defense and special teams.
He saved his best for last: a team-high 10 total tackles, one for loss, and a nice interception on a fluttering ball barely off the turf. Munson may have locked up one of the few remaining open roster spots with this game.
DOWN: CB Jack Jones
Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) is tackled after a short gain during the first half against the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jones will make the team and play, assuming his legal situation goes well for him in September. But he’s had a rocky camp, and he didn’t finish well. Jones did make four tackles, but also committed an early pass interference penalty and allowed a 30-yard catch.
The fact Jones played so much might be a bad sign for him, in terms of his legal troubles and a possible suspension from the league. Jones is talented and there will be a place for him as long as he’s available, but his summer has been jam-packed with unease, on AND off the field.
UP: DL Sam Roberts
Tennessee Titans running back Jacques Patrick (38) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive tackle Sam Roberts (96) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. (Syndication: The Tennessean)
Roberts logged a sack, three total QB hits, and seven tackles (one for loss). The 2022 sixth-round pick probably wasn’t guaranteed a roster spot going into Friday night, so he has to feel a lot better about his chances after a nice performance.
DOWN: S Joshua Bledsoe
Safety Joshuah Bledsoe of the New England Patriots practices during 2023 mandatory minicamp in Foxboro. (Matt Dolloff/98.5 The Sports Hub)
Bledsoe, like Perkins, has stuck around into his third year despite barely playing, and the Patriots do like him. But he had a shaky night, which included a late touchdown catch allowed to Kearis Jackson.
The Patriots are deep at safety and don’t really need Bledsoe to hang around on the main roster, but he should have a good chance to stay around via the practice squad.
