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

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

The Patriots rookie operating 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 below new coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as he begins his newest Patriots tenure.

DJ James intercepted Washington quarterback Sam Hartman’s cross, 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 landing 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 residence crowd on an evening that started with the revealing of a bronze statue of Tom Brady, in got here with the caveat that a lot 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 recreation in his first season in Washington, Commanders coach Dan Quinn took a cautious strategy, resting 30 gamers – together with his projected starters and a number of other veterans.

The listing 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 to be at rookie offensive lineman Josh Conerly, cornerback Trey Amos, receiver Jaylin Lane, linebacker Kain Medrano and operating again Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who all dressed.

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

Accidents

Commanders: CB Bobby Worth left the sport within the closing minute of the primary half after hitting his head as he crashed to the bottom defending a cross 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 choice

Whereas Maye was largely 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 an alternative 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 pink zone for the primary time late within the second quarter.

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