Patriots offense shines in 48-18 exhibition win over Commanders, as Washington rests starters, vets – Boston News, Weather, Sports

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The primary time TreVeyon Henderson touched the ball in an NFL sport, he went practically untouched by anybody else.

The Patriots rookie working again erupted for a 100-yard kickoff return for a landing to open the sport, serving to energy New England to a 48-18 exhibition win over the Washington Commanders on Friday night time.

Henderson, a second-round select of Ohio State, additionally had an 18-yard run. Quarterback Drake Maye added a 5-yard TD run and accomplished 3 of 5 passes for 12 yards in two collection of labor. It was a promising glimpse of a new-look Patriots offense beneath new coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as he begins his newest Patriots tenure.

DJ James intercepted Washington quarterback Sam Hartman’s move, and Antonio Gibson added a 62-yard punt return that arrange a 2-yard TD run by backup quarterback Josh Dobbs.

Jeremy McNichols had a touchdown run for the Commanders. Hartman accomplished 9 of 19 passes for 64 yards and the interception. Josh Johnson performed all through the second half and was 15 of twenty-two for 173 yards with a landing and an interception.

As a lot because the factors excited New England’s house crowd on an evening that started with the disclosing of a bronze statue of Tom Brady, in got here with the caveat that many of the Patriots’ offensive fireworks had been in opposition to the Commanders’ backups.

Coming of a 12-5 end and run to the NFC championship sport in his first season in Washington, Commanders coach Dan Quinn took a cautious method, resting 30 gamers – together with his projected starters and a number of other veterans.

The record included quarterback Jayden Daniels, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota (didn’t journey, leg pressure) and receiver Deebo Samuels on offense. Cornerback Marcus Lattimore and linebackers Von Miller and Bobby Wagner had been amongst those that sat on protection.

However Washington did get their first true seems at rookie offensive lineman Josh Conerly, cornerback Trey Amos, receiver Jaylin Lane, linebacker Kain Medrano and working again Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who all dressed.

Amos and Medrano each had some early tackles, but it surely was principally a sluggish outing for the Commanders’ understudies who had been penalized 13 occasions for 98 yards. New England was whistled for 2 penalties for 15 yards.

Accidents

Commanders: CB Bobby Value left the sport within the last minute of the primary half after hitting his head as he crashed to the bottom defending a move to New England. … DT Viliami Fehoko walked off on his personal energy with a decrease physique concern within the third quarter.

Patriots: WR Ja’Lynn went to the medical tent after which the locker room shortly after a run within the second quarter.

Unhealthy determination

Whereas Maye was principally poised in his restricted motion, it wasn’t spotless.

Dealing with a third-and-7 on the Patriots’ first collection, Maye was flushed out of the pocket and grabbed from behind by defensive deal with Jer’Zhan Newton.

However as a substitute of taking the sack, Maye tried to throw on the final second and misplaced the ball as he was dragged to turf. It was recovered by defensive finish Jacob Martin.

Dropped

Hartman led the Commanders into the purple zone for the primary time late within the second quarter.

It was third-and-3 on the 19 when KJ Osbourn obtained a step on Alex Austin. Hartman positioned a catchable move over Osbourn’s shoulder. However he bobbled it as he tried to haul it in and it fell incomplete.