The New England Patriots wrap up their preseason slate with a contest towards the Washington Commanders on Sunday night time.
Listed here are six of the most important questions going through the Patriots getting into their preseason finale:
Will Jacoby Brissett cement himself because the starter or again into it?
Jerod Mayo and firm have stated the quarterback competitors stays open, but it surely definitely looks like Brissett can be behind heart in Week 1. It has been that method all summer time. Whereas rookie Drake Maye did see an uptick in observe reps behind the beginning offensive line this week, it looks like too little, too late. With that stated, Brissett can encourage some confidence with a powerful outing within the finale. Alternatively, if Brissett throws one other red-zone interception like in New England’s second preseason sport and Maye impresses like he did towards the Eagles, effectively, it is going to make for a enjoyable few weeks for sports activities discuss radio.
How will new offensive line group look?
The injury-related absence of Vederian Lowe, who began at left sort out throughout a lot of the summer time, compelled New England to make some modifications this week. The beginning unit consisted of, from left to proper, Chukwuma Okorafor, Sidy Sow, David Andrews, Layden Robinson and Mike Onwenu. It marked Robinson’s first go-round with the starters and obtained Okorafor again at left sort out and Onwenu on the best edge. Mayo referred to as the group’s observe efficiency “encouraging,” and a powerful outing towards Washington might imply it is the beginning group getting into the common season.
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Who will stand out in battle for sixth receiver spot?
Tyquan Thornton has carried out effectively with the beginning offense and has transitioned from a wideout on the bubble to a roster lock. Thornton joins DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Okay.J. Osborn and Javon Baker as roster locks. The competitors for a sixth receiver — Kendrick Bourne seemingly will begin the season on the bodily unable to carry out listing — now figures to be Jalen Reagor or Kayshon Boutte.
Will any depth cornerbacks emerge from pack?
It is arguably New England’s deepest place group with roster locks Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones. Marco Wilson and Alex Austin may need their spots secured, too. In the meantime, Isaiah Bolden, Shaun Wade and sixth-round rookie Marcellas Dial appear to be competing for the ultimate few spots in that group. An impactful efficiency towards the Commanders might go a great distance as Eliot Wolf and Mayo trim down the roster by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Can Jaheim Bell proceed late push to change into third tight finish?
The seventh-round rookie has picked up his contributions in current practices after lacking a while. “He is a kind of guys that has a singular talent set. He can run with the ball in his palms, and we simply should do a very good job getting it to him,” Mayo stated of Bell. The Patriots have a query mark at their third tight finish spot behind the injured Hunter Henry and veteran Austin Hooper. Mitchell Wilcox, one other competing with Bell for the third spot, has missed observe time and allowed Jacob Warren and Bell some additional snaps. If the Patriots view Bell on the identical degree because the non-rookies, they virtually definitely will go along with youth.
Does Joey Slye take strangle maintain on kicker place?
The veteran Slye has the sting getting into the preseason finale. It looks like his job to lose at this level given he is went 3-for-3 in preseason video games and has confirmed higher in practices. Ought to Slye put collectively one other such efficiency in Washington, he virtually definitely will beat out the 2023 fourth-round decide.
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