The New England Patriots wrapped up their preseason schedule with a decisive 37-13 loss against the Cleveland Browns, concluding their exhibition run with a balanced 1-1-1 record. A key storyline from this final contest was the coaching staff's decision to keep all starting players, including primary quarterback Drake Maye, on the sidelines for the entirety of the preseason. This strategy, a departure from previous years under head coach Mike Vrabel, placed the spotlight squarely on the performance of the backup roster as they vied for spots and demonstrated their capabilities.
Head coach Mike Vrabel articulated that the decision to bench the starters was a strategic move aimed at preserving the team's core personnel for the upcoming regular season. He acknowledged the complexity of the choice, emphasizing that there isn't a universally correct answer but that it was deemed the most beneficial approach for the Patriots at this juncture. While the starters participated in joint practices with the Colts and Eagles, their complete absence from game-day action during the preseason signals a cautious approach to player readiness and injury prevention. This left the backups with significant playing time to prove their worth across all three phases of the game.
On the offensive side, a total of 59 snaps were recorded. The quarterback duties were split between Behren Morton, who saw the majority of the action with 50 snaps, and Tommy DeVito, who played nine snaps across the first two series. This distribution highlighted the depth chart at the backup signal-caller position, though no direct competition was suggested. At running back, Lan Larison and Hassan Haskins led the early charge. Haskins ultimately finished as the leading rusher with 11 carries for 38 yards. Notably, another contender for the RB3 slot, Jam Miller, was absent due to a previous limitation in training camp. Kyle Williams and Efton Chism initially served as the top wide receivers before giving way to deeper roster options. The tight end group saw Tanner Arkin and C.J. Dippre start, with Arkin also taking snaps at fullback. Along the offensive line, James Hudson filled in at left tackle, and Dametrious Crownover took over early at right tackle. The interior linemen did not have standout performances, raising concerns as roster cutdowns approach.
The defensive unit played for 62 snaps and faced considerable challenges against the Browns. Observers noted that many players on the field might not make the final 53-man roster, reflecting ongoing uncertainties within the defense. Defensive tackles Joshua Farmer and Eric Gregory started and played extensive minutes, with Gregory logging a particularly high number of reps. In contrast, Leonard Taylor, another player on the roster bubble, saw only nine snaps, raising questions about his standing. Linebacker Namdi Obiazor emerged as a potential bright spot, leading the team with 11 tackles and showcasing an intensity that was otherwise lacking. His performance could push him for a roster spot, especially given the less convincing showings from veterans Chad Muma and K.J. Britt. The cornerback position proved to be the most problematic area, with projected third and fourth options Charles Woods and Kindle Vildor struggling significantly against opposing receivers, leading to speculation about potential roster changes there.
Special teams played 28 snaps, featuring a variety of personnel vying for roles. Hassan Haskins was the primary kickoff returner, aligning with coordinator Jeremy Springer's preference for running backs in that position under new rules. This suggests Haskins could secure the role, especially since his main competitors were not utilized. A core group of five players—Marcellas Dial Jr., Riley Wilson, Quintayvious Hutchins, Namdi Obiazor, and Bradyn Swinson—participated in all four return and coverage teams. While Dial Jr. and Wilson are considered longshots for the main roster, the others might leverage their special teams contributions, combined with current depth issues at their positions, to secure a spot.
The Patriots withheld a total of 38 players from this preseason finale, most of whom are expected to be part of the regular-season roster. The only remaining uncertainties pertain to injured players like Harold Landry and Brenden Schooler, who are on the physically unable to perform and non-football injury lists, respectively. The comprehensive review of snap counts and individual performances from the final preseason game provides crucial insights into the team's depth and the difficult roster decisions that lie ahead for the coaching staff as they finalize their lineup for the regular season.
