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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/rss/index.xml

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xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
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<title type="text">Pats Pulpit</title>
<subtitle type="text">Your best source for quality New England Patriots news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.</subtitle>
<updated>2025-08-22T22:18:17+00:00</updated>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com" />
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<entry>
<author>
<name>Bernd Buchmasser</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[What their first wave of roster cuts means for the Patriots]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion-analysis/107286/patriots-roster-cuts-2025-nfl-preseason-analysis" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/?p=107286</id>
<updated>2025-08-22T18:18:17-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-22T17:20:33-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Roster" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The New England Patriots wasted no time turning the page after their preseason finale. Less than 24 hours after their 42-10 loss to the New York Giants, head coach Mike Vrabel announced that his team had parted ways with 14 players in preparation of the upcoming NFL roster cutdown deadline. As Vrabel said during a […]]]></summary>
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The New England Patriots wasted no time turning the page after their preseason finale. Less than 24 hours after their 42-10 loss to the New York Giants, head coach Mike Vrabel announced that his team had <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/107274/patriots-roster-cuts-nfl-preseason-finale-wooldridge-sow-bolden">parted ways with 14 players</a> in preparation of the upcoming NFL roster cutdown deadline.
As Vrabel said during a press conference on Friday, quarterback Ben Wooldridge, running backs Micah Bernard and Shane Watts, wide receiver Phil Lutz Jr., tight ends Jaheim Bell and Cole Fotheringham, offensive linemen Sidy Sow and Tyrese Robinson, defensive tackles Kyle Peko and Philip Blidi, linebackers Monty Rice and R.J. Moten and cornerbacks Jordon Polk and Isaiah Bolden were all informed of their release.
What do those moves mean for the Patriots, though? Let’s take a big-picture look at them to see how they impact the overall roster four days ahead of cutdown day.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No surprises</h2>
Of the 14 players released by the Patriots on Friday, none came as a major surprise based on their standing on the projected depth chart and usage in the preseason finale against New York. Led by Ben Wooldridge, who played all 59 offensive snaps on Thursday night, the entire 14-man group saw some level of action — an indication that their spots on the roster were indeed in peril.
Half of the group let go only joined the team after it had already opened its training camp in late July. The other half, meanwhile, had not been able to carve out consistent roles since their own arrival going back as far as the 2023 NFL Draft. Add it all up, and you get a group that found itself on the outside looking in basically the entire summer.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">QB3 TBD</h2>
Coming off an underwhelming performance against the Giants that saw him go complete just 10 of 20 pass attempts for 82 yards with one touchdown and pick-six each, Ben Wooldridge getting released was the expected outcome of his rookie training camp. That said, him being let go means that the Patriots might be in the market for another quarterback.
At the moment, after all, they only have starter Drake Maye and backup Joshua Dobbs on their roster. While that is sufficient to make it through the season assuming both of them stay healthy, adding another passer to the mix at some point would make sense from a practical perspective: unless the team is comfortable with Dobbs also holding scout team duties, the presence of a third QB — ideally on the yet-to-be-built practice squad — might help with practice operation.
Wooldridge ending up back in that role could happen, but it would not be a surprise if the team explored the market to see who else becomes available for the QB3 role.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Promise unfulfilled</h2>
Arguably the most prominent of the 14 players cut by the Patriots is offensive lineman Sidy Sow. A fourth-round draft pick by the team in 2023, he started 13 games as a right guard during his rookie season. The Eastern Michigan product showed some potential in those contests, suggesting that he might have some future starting potential. However, things started to go downhill his sophomore year.
While initially installed as the starting left guard under then-offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, Sow suffering an ankle injury in the preseason finale disrupted his development. He made a brief return to the starting lineup in Week 4 that season, but was demoted to backup status from that point on and never managed to reemerge from the depths of the roster.
Not even another change in coordinator, from Van Pelt to Josh McDaniels, put Sow’s career back on track. He spent the spring and summer as little more than a third-stringer, far removed from the promise he had displayed as a rookie.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Salary cap considerations</h2>
While most of the players released by the Patriots were on low-level deals, the team’s salary cap will still feel the impact of the moves. Two of the players let go, after all, found themselves on the Top 51 list: Sidy Sow and Monty Rice had cap numbers of $1.22 million and $1.17 million, respectively. Their spots on the list will now be taken by cornerback Alex Austin and running back JaMycal Hasty, whose cap hits are both at $1.03 million.
The cap savings created by replacing Sow and Rice with Austin and Hasty on the Top 51 list, however, are more complex than a simple subtraction would suggest. For starters, Sow’s deal included a fully-guaranteed signing bonus proration of two $191,029 installments each; those will hit New England’s books as dead cap in both 2025 and 2026.
Sow is not the only player affected who had a bonus like that in his pact. The same is true for Jaheim Bell ($27k), Jordan Polk ($3k) and Ben Wooldridge ($2k). Meanwhile, Polk and Wooldridge also had salary guarantees of $35,000 and $9,000 in their deals.
Putting all those plus the Top 51 list into consideration, we can see that the Patriots generated $108,019 in net cap space on Friday. In addition, their dead cap numbers increased by $267,010 and $254,992, respectively the next two years.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Return potential</h2>
Getting released this early in the process suggests the Patriots are willing to move on for good. However, there is a chance that some of the players let go eventually return via the practice squad if they clear the waiver wire (all but vested veterans Kyle Peko and Monty Rice will have to go through waivers).
New England can start building its first developmental roster of the 2025 season next Wednesday, after the cutdown deadline and subsequent waiver claim period have passed.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">First shoe to drop</h2>
Their first wave of roster cuts is just the tip of the iceberg for the Patriots. Until Tuesday 4 p.m. ET, they will have to remove 24 more players from a roster that <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/7/23/24473004/patriots-updated-roster-2025-nfl-season">currently stands at 77 deep</a>. Not all of them will have to be released, however; moving players to injured reserve or trading them will also do the trick.
The Patriots have candidates for both of those other methods on their roster at the moment. Wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, for example, is <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/107154/jalynn-polk-reportedly-set-to-undergo-season-ending-shoulder-surgery">expected to be moved to IR</a> soon. Meanwhile, safety Kyle Dugger and outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings are regarded as <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-rumors/107059/patriots-nfl-trade-rumors-dugger-jennings">potential trade candidates</a>.
]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Oliver Thomas</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>Brian Hines</name>
</author>
<author>
<name>Bernd Buchmasser</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Patriots up-to-date roster ahead of NFL cutdown day]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/7/23/24473004/patriots-updated-roster-2025-nfl-season" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/7/23/24473004/patriots-updated-roster-2025-nfl-season</id>
<updated>2025-08-22T15:22:30-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-22T15:21:51-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Depth Chart" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The New England Patriots’ preseason and training camp are in the books. The goal was to find the best 53 players as well as those worthy of practice squad spots over the course of an intense five-week period. Between now and NFL cutdown day on August 26, the team’s roster is likely to undergo several […]]]></summary>
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The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>’ preseason and training camp are in the books. The goal was to find the best 53 players as well as those worthy of practice squad spots over the course of an intense five-week period.
Between now and NFL cutdown day on August 26, the team’s roster is likely to undergo several changes. In order to not get lost, please make sure to regularly revisit our up-to-date roster.
For now, it looks as follows:
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="UQtDqx">Patriots updated roster: 77 players*</h2>
Quarterback (2): Drake Maye (10), Joshua Dobbs (11)
Running back (5): Rhamondre Stevenson (38), TreVeyon Henderson (32), Antonio Gibson (4 | KR), Terrell Jennings (26), JaMycal Hasty (39)
Wide receiver (11): Stefon Diggs (8), DeMario Douglas (3), Kayshon Boutte (9), Mack Hollins (13), Kyle Williams (18), Efton Chism III (86), Javon Baker (6), Kendrick Bourne (84), Ja’Lynn Polk (1), John Jiles (83), Jeremiah Webb (29)
Tight end (5): Hunter Henry (85), Austin Hooper (81), Jack Westover (87), C.J. Dippre (82), Gee Scott Jr. (80)
Offensive tackle (6): Will Campbell (66 | LT), Morgan Moses (76 | RT), Marcus Bryant (52), Demontrey Jacobs (75), Vederian Lowe (59), Jack Conley (74)
Interior offensive line (9): Jared Wilson (58 | LG), Garrett Bradbury (65 | C), Mike Onwenu (71 | RG), Ben Brown (77), Cole Strange (69), Caedan Wallace (70), Layden Robinson (63), Mehki Butler (63), Alec Lindstrom (61)
Interior defensive line (7*): Christian Barmore (90), Milton Williams (97), Khyiris Tonga (95), Joshua Farmer (92), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98), Jahvaree Ritzie (93), David Olajiga (96 | IPPP)
Defensive edge (7): Keion White (99), Harold Landry III (2), K’Lavon Chaisson (44), Truman Jones (54), Anfernee Jennings (33), Bradyn Swinson (43), Eljiah Ponder (91)
Linebacker (6): Robert Spillane (14), Jahlani Tavai (48), Christian Elliss (53), Jack Gibbens (51), Marte Mapu (15), Cam Riley (42)
Cornerback (8): Christian Gonzalez (0), Carlton Davis III (7), Marcus Jones (25 | PR), Alex Austin (28), D.J. James (30), Miles Battle (35), Kobee Minor (19), Brandon Crossley (37)
Safety (7): Jabrill Peppers (5), Jaylinn Hawkins (21), Craig Woodson (31), Kyle Dugger (23), Brenden Schooler (41), Marcus Epps (22), Dell Pettus (24)
Specialists (4): Andres Borregales (36 | K), Parker Romo (37 | K), Bryce Baringer (17 | P | H), Julian Ashby (47 | LS)
Defensive tackle David Olajiga, who joined the Patriots right before training camp, is not counting against the 90-man roster limit. A member of the International Pathway Program, he is exempt but can practice with the team and appear in preseason games.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ycoZC0">Reserve lists</h2>
Reserve/injured (7): FB Brock Lampe, OT Yasir Durant, CB Marcellas Dial Jr., DT Jaquelin Roy, RB Lan Larison, RB Deneric Prince, DT Isaiah Iton
Reserve/retired (1): OL Wes Schweitzer
]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Bernd Buchmasser</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Patriots make 14 roster cuts after preseason finale]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/107274/patriots-roster-cuts-nfl-preseason-finale-wooldridge-sow-bolden" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/?p=107274</id>
<updated>2025-08-22T13:04:08-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-22T12:21:52-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots News" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Roster" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The New England Patriots have until next Tuesday to get their team below the NFL’s 53-player threshold, but they have already started trimming their roster. As was announced by head coach Mike Vrabel on Friday, the team has parted ways with 14 players. Quarterback Ben Wooldridge, running backs Micah Bernard and Shane Watts, wide receiver […]]]></summary>
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The New England Patriots have until next Tuesday to get their team below the NFL’s 53-player threshold, but they have already started trimming their roster.
As was announced by head coach Mike Vrabel on Friday, the team has parted ways with 14 players.
Quarterback Ben Wooldridge, running backs Micah Bernard and Shane Watts, wide receiver Phil Lutz Jr., tight ends Jaheim Bell and Cole Fotheringham, offensive linemen Sidy Sow and Tyrese Robinson, defensive tackles Kyle Peko and Philip Blidi, linebackers Monty Rice and R.J. Moten and cornerbacks Jordon Polk and Isaiah Bolden have been let go. All of them were considered longshots to make the team.
Wooldridge and Polk both joined the Patriots as members of their initial class of rookie free agents earlier this offseason. Bernard, Watts, Lutz, Fotheringham, Peko, Blidi and Moten were all added since the start of training camp in late July.
The longest-tenured players on the list are Bell, Sow, Robinson, Rice and Bolden. Sow and Bolden both joined the Patriots in the 2023 NFL Draft, getting selected in the fourth and seventh rounds, respectively. Bell was added as a seventh-rounder a year later, with Robinson and Rice brought aboard as in-season signings last November.
As a result of Friday’s moves, the Patriots’ roster now stands at 77 players, including roster exempt international player David Olajiga. The team will need to move 24 more players before the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Aug. 26.
]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Marima</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[New England Patriots links 8/22/25: Pats-Giants recap, roster projections, more!]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-links/107259/patriots-news-links-8-22-25-pats-giants-recap-roster-projections" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/?p=107259</id>
<updated>2025-08-22T17:21:43-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-22T10:47:10-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Links" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots News" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[TEAM TALK LOCAL LINKS NATIONAL NEWS]]></summary>
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TEAM TALK
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Post Game Notes: <a href="https://www.patriots.com/news/game-notes-dugger-gets-a-pick-in-the-end-zone-for-the-second-straight-week">Patriots at Giants</a>. Dugger gets a pick in the end zone for the second-straight week.</li>
<li>Evan Lazar‘s <a href="https://www.patriots.com/news/game-observations-8-takeaways-from-the-patriots-preseason-finale-loss-to-the-giants">Game Observations:</a> 8 Takeaways From the preseason finale loss to the Giants. 1. S Kyle Dugger plays 32 snaps as safety rotation continues. 2. EDGE Keion White plays 29 snaps; More.</li>
<li>Post Game Quotes: <a href="https://www.patriots.com/news/new-england-patriots-postgame-quotes-8-21">Patriots</a>.</li>
<li>Press Conferences: <a href="https://www.patriots.com/video/head-coach-mike-vrabel-8-21-we-re-going-to-try-to-strengthen-the-roster-any-way-we-can">Mike Vrabel</a> – <a href="https://www.patriots.com/video/ben-wooldridge-8-21-there-is-always-something-to-clean-up">Ben Wooldridge</a> – <a href="https://www.patriots.com/video/jabrill-peppers-kyle-dugger-and-jeremiah-webb-postgame-media-availability-8-21">Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger and Jeremiah Webb</a>.</li>
<li>Patriots Postgame Show: <a href="https://www.patriots.com/video/patriots-postgame-show-8-21-immediate-reaction-and-analysis-of-the-patriots-42-10-preseason-loss-vs-the-giants">Immediate reaction and analysis</a> of the Patriots 42-10 preseason loss vs. the Giants; Plus, they consider this Tuesday’s cutdown day and who made the best cases to make the 53-man roster and who may have fallen short. (90 min. video)</li>
</ul>
LOCAL LINKS
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Andrew Callahan offers 5 <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/callahan-5-thoughts-at-the-end-of-the-patriots-preseason/ar-AA1L0JU9">thoughts at the end of the preseason</a>. 1. All hands on deck to protect Drake Maye; 2. Pass rush will surprise: ‘..count me excited, for the first time in years, at how the Patriots should rush the passer in 2025.’ More!</li>
<li>Mike Reiss posts his <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46009841/new-england-patriots-final-53-man-roster-projection-2025">final projected 53-man roster</a> for the Patriots. Kendrick Bourne out, Kyle Dugger in.</li>
<li>Karen Guregian takes a last stab at figuring out the <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/08/final-patriots-53-man-roster-projection-karen-guregian.html">Patriots 53-man roster</a> before Cutdown day Tuesday.</li>
<li>Mike D’Abate puts out his own <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-post-preseason-53-man-roster-projection">53-man roster projection</a> ahead of cutdown day. WRs Baker, Webb out.</li>
<li>Jennifer Streeter explains why Patriots <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-keion-white-likely-demoted">3rd-year DE Keion White</a> will likely be getting demoted.</li>
<li>Michael Hurley considers the <a href="https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/will-kyle-dugger-make-patriots-roster-after-playing-in-preseason-finale/727163/">chances Kyle Dugger</a> makes the roster after playing in the preseason finale</li>
<li>Doug Kyed talks about where and how the Patriots could <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/football/where-how-patriots-could-strengthen-their-roster-before-next-week-s-cuts/ar-AA1L18RN">‘strengthen their roster’</a> before next week’s cuts, beginning with Interior offensive line.</li>
<li>Mike D’Abate gives us <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-thumped-new-york-giants-preseason-finale-five-key-takeaways">five key takeaways</a> after the Pats got thumped at MetLife Stadium. Several battles still appear to be unsettled: O-line still under review, Dobbs still QB2; More.</li>
<li>Alex Barth shares 6 <a href="https://985thesportshub.com/2025/08/22/6-takeaways-from-the-patriots-preseason-finale/">takeaways from the preseason finale:</a> Roster still not settled, notable names on defense, interior offensive line outlook, interior defensive line struggles; More!</li>
<li>Mark Daniels shares <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/08/7-takeaways-from-patriots-preseason-finale-vs-giants.html">7 takeaways</a> from the preseason loss. Offensive line battle, Javon Baker’s night; More.</li>
<li>Doug Kyed picks the <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/football/what-we-learned-best-and-worst-from-patriots-preseason-finale-vs-giants/ar-AA1KZDsl">best and worst</a> from the 42-10 loss. Best: Kyle Dugger, Marte Mapu, Jeremiah Webb, Craig Woodson. Worst: Javon Baker, Jordan Polk, Miles Battle, Kobee Minor; Plus more notes.</li>
<li>Mark Daniels looks at the <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/08/winners-and-losers-from-patriots-preseason-finale.html">winners and losers</a> from the preseason finale. Kyle Dugger trending up.</li>
<li>Andrew Callahan highlights Kyle Dugger insisting his <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/football/patriots-s-kyle-dugger-opens-up-about-frustrating-play-possible-release/ar-AA1KZRkt">lackluster performance</a> is not a symptom of lingering physical problems, but mental mistakes; diagnosing plays a half-second too late, poor awareness or simply missing assignments.</li>
<li>Karen Guregian explains why <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/08/why-did-jabrill-peppers-and-keion-white-play-in-preseason-finale.html">Jabrill Peppers and Keion White</a> played last night.</li>
<li>Nick O’Malley details how underdog and ‘the best person ever,’ <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/08/patriots-underdog-the-best-person-ever-lived-out-nfl-dream-with-td-celebration.html">WR Jeremiah Webb</a> got to live out his NFL dream by doing a ‘Lambeau leap’ TD celebration in the end zone.</li>
<li>Nick O’Malley finds Mike Vrabel still preaching a <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/08/mike-vrabel-preaching-a-famous-3-word-belichick-mantra-and-its-not-do-your-job.html">famous 3-word Belichick mantra</a>, but it’s not ‘Do your job’. “No days off” has made a comeback in Foxborough.</li>
<li>Mike D’Abate notes <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-jalynn-polk-aims-fully-healthy-return-next-season">WR Ja’Lynn Polk</a> aims for a fully healthy return next season.</li>
</ul>
NATIONAL NEWS
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Around the NFL (NFL.com) Preseason, <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-nfl-preseason-week-3-what-we-learned-from-steelers-panthers-patriots-giants">Week 3: What we learned</a> from Steelers-Panthers, Patriots-Giants.</li>
<li>NFL Nation (ESPN) How <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46018340/nfl-rookie-2025-nfl-draft-training-camp-preseason-257-picks-report-cards#NE">every 2025 NFL draft pick</a> has looked in the preseason. /Click for commentary and evaluation on all 11 draft picks.</li>
<li>NFL Nation (ESPN) 2025 NFL <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46038753/2025-nfl-preseason-week-3-takeaways-analysis">preseason Week 3 analysis:</a> The Patriots played only a handful of offensive and defensive players who would be considered potential starting-caliber candidates, so perhaps the most compelling storyline was with kickers. /Click for commentary.</li>
<li>Mike Kadlick (SI) Mike Vrabel was so pumped after <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/mike-vrabel-was-so-pumped-after-udfa-jeremiah-webb-scored-in-patriots-preseason-finale">UDFA Jeremiah Webb scored</a> in preseason finale.</li>
<li>Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk) Report: WR <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-patriots-wr-jalynn-polk-out-for-the-season-with-a-shoulder-injury">Ja’Lynn Polk out for the season</a> with a shoulder injury.</li>
<li>Sheil Kapadia (The Ringer) Ranking <a href="https://www.theringer.com/2025/08/19/nfl/ranking-every-nfl-offense-2025-buffalo-bills-baltimore-ravens-49ers">every NFL offense</a> for 2025. Patriots 21st. /Click for commentary.</li>
<li>Sheil Kapadia (The Ringer) Where does <a href="https://www.theringer.com/2025/08/21/nfl/ranking-nfl-defenses-2025-seattle-seahawks-houston-texans-philadelphia-eagles">every NFL defense</a> rank? Patriots 12th. /Click for commentary.</li>
<li>Daniel Chavkin (Sporting News) <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/nfl-practice-squad-salaries-minimum-salary-eligibility-rules-more-to-know-for-2025/ar-AA1L0tcR">NFL practice squad</a> salaries, eligibility rules & more to know for 2025.</li>
</ul>
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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Bernd Buchmasser</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Perpetual underdog Jeremiah Webb is Patriots’ latest rags-to-riches story]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-media-transcripts-statements-interviews/107264/patriots-jeremiah-webb-rags-to-riches-story" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/?p=107264</id>
<updated>2025-08-22T09:41:34-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-22T09:41:34-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots First Read" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Preseason" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Looking simply at the scoreboard, their preseason finale was one to forget for the New England Patriots. Resting a majority of their starters and seeing uneven-at-best contributions from their replacements, they got steamrolled by the New York Giants 42-10. For Jeremiah Webb, however, the final result did little to dampen the excitement. Webb, after all, […]]]></summary>
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Looking simply at the scoreboard, their preseason finale was one to forget for the New England Patriots. Resting a majority of their starters and seeing uneven-at-best contributions from their replacements, they got steamrolled by the New York Giants 42-10.
For Jeremiah Webb, however, the final result did little to dampen the excitement. Webb, after all, was one of the Patriots’ <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/107224/patriots-giants-winners-losers-nfl-preseason-webb-mapu">few standout performers</a> on Thursday night in East Rutherford.
Besides catching three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown, he also ran back a pair of punts for a combined 34 yards. As a result of his success versus the Giants, and the previous two exhibition contests, the undrafted rookie wide receiver has ended the preseason with 196 all-purpose yards on 10 touches — beating fellow rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Efton Chism to top the Patriots.
The 24-year-old may not have played himself in the roster conversation ahead of next week’s cutdown deadline, but he does look like a realistic practice squad candidate.
That in itself is a huge achievement for Webb.
“I’m living out the dream,” he said after the game. “The odds that I had to beat to get to where I am now, they’ve been slim to none. So, just finally being able to get here shows those where I come from that we can do that. I’m having a blast.”
A do-it-all player during his high school career at Urban Prep-Bronzeville in Chicago, Webb joined the University of South Dakota in 2019 as a two-star recruit. A redshirt as a true freshman who also did not play the following season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he left the Coyotes after three seasons and only 11 in-game appearances.
His college career continued to be unremarkable after his 2022 transfer to South Alabama. He had to wait until his sixth collegiate campaign in 2024 to finally earn a regular role in the rotation and put up consistent numbers; Webb finished his final season in Mobile catching 36 passes for 649 yards and five touchdowns.
Despite his step up, Webb had to take a detour to get to the NFL. Neither projected as a draftable player nor a priority free agent, he decided to join the Berlin Thunder of the European League of Football. He spent only a month in Germany, though, before the Patriots took a shot at him as an undrafted rookie.
Since then, Webb has tried to reach two goals: to capitalize on his opportunities and, even more importantly, to serve as an inspiration.
“I know I always had it in me. I’ve always been an underdog. It just felt good to finally be able to prove myself,” he said before adding that “being able to continue inspiring those where I come from, that’s the main goal when I step on that field. …
“I’m from Chicago. Family from the South Side of Chicago. Grew up on the West Side. I know they’re proud of me right now; just being able to continue to inspire them, give them hope, knowing that we can make it from nothing.“
Webb has seen his reps as a punt and kickoff returner as well as a depth wide receiver increase throughout training camp. With the top of the depth chart getting limited action throughout preseason, he additionally finished with 75 offensive snaps plus nine more on special teams.
He caught a total of six passes for 80 yards along the way, including Thursday’s 10-yard touchdown from quarterback Ben Wooldridge.
“He’s the best person ever. He’s awesome,” the Patriots’ third-stringer said about his fellow UDFA. “If you ever need to laugh, if you need somebody to talk to, go to Webby. That dude’s awesome. He went to South Alabama, which is a rival of UL. At first I wouldn’t talk to him. Got to know him through OTAs, get to know him through the couple weeks we had off, he’s like the best dude ever. Just great personality and great football player.”
His skill on the football field and relentless ability to make the most of his chances have allowed Webb to play himself onto the Patriots’ roster bubble. He is more likely to have to aim for the practice squad than the 53-man roster — there are only so many wide receiver spots to go around — but still not worried about what lies ahead in the coming days.
“Whatever the future may hold for me, so be it,” he said. “I’m grateful for whatever opportunity comes my way.”

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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Pat Lane</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Keion White facing an unclear outlook, and more lessons learned from Patriots-Giants]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/107242/patriots-giants-lessons-learned-takeaways-nfl-preseason" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/?p=107242</id>
<updated>2025-08-22T08:31:18-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-22T08:31:18-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Opinion" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Preseason" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The New England Patriots got absolutely destroyed in their final preseason game on Thursday night. Entering the contest with two victories in their bag, they got handed a 42-10 defeat by the New York Giants to finish the exhibition slate with a 1-2 record. Even with the majority of starters sitting out, and despite the game […]]]></summary>
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The New England Patriots got absolutely destroyed in their final preseason game on Thursday night. Entering the contest with two victories in their bag, they got handed a 42-10 defeat by the New York Giants to finish the exhibition slate with a 1-2 record.
Even with the majority of starters sitting out, and despite the game being incredibly boring, there were still some lessons to be learned. Let’s get into them now.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Patriots showed us that…</h2>
…they had seen enough of their starters: Most of, if not all, of the starters for the Patriots had the night off on Thursday. That was telling for who actually played in the game. On defense, Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson, and Keion White played, and on offense, Jared Wilson played. I would assume that they wanted to get Wilson more reps, since he’s a raw player, and he didn’t start last week. Defensively, it looked like all the safeties, except for Jaylinn Hawkins, played, so there’s nothing to take away from the fact that they both played.
“Just a short week,” said head coach Mike Vrabel after the game. “We had a couple good days. That’s kind of where I was, decided to do that, give us a chance to evaluate some other players.”
Keion White is a different story though.
…Keion White might be facing an unclear outlook: Keion White worked almost exclusively with the starters all offseason, but he still played the entire first half on Thursday. This could be a sign that the Patriots aren’t happy with what they have gotten out of him recently, or that they want to get more reps for him.
According to Vrabel, it was the latter.
“I decided and talked to Keion and wanted to see him work on some things and continue to develop and try to continue to improve,” Vrabel explained after the game. “He was excited about playing. He wanted to play more. That’s kind of our whole job, to be ready to play and prepared until told otherwise. Just try to work on some things that we had been talking about and do it in game action.”
Despite Vrabel’s statements, and some reassurances from other coaches on staff earlier this week, it looks like White’s role is a question mark with two weeks to go until the season opener. It seemed like he was primed for a big season earlier in training camp, but seeing him passed on the depth chart by K’Lavon Chaisson and subsequently playing extensive snaps in a meaningless game might be cause for concern.
…interior depth is a serious concern: The Patriots’ top five along the offensive line looks to be significantly better than it was last year, which is good news for the team as a whole. The depth behind the starter level, however, looks like it might be just as bad as it was last year, especially on the interior.
Sidy Sow and Cole Strange both struggled on Thursday night, and the Patriots haven’t seen much from Caedan Wallace because of injury (even though he was solid enough against the Giants). Ben Brown appears to be the top interior backup at the moment, but, behind him, your guess is as good as mine as to who the Patriots want on the roster.
My guess is that they end up scooping up a guy or two from other teams to improve their depth.
…Javon Baker looks good on special teams, but bad at receiver: Javon Baker was on the roster bubble coming into the game, and his play didn’t do much to change that. He was awful as a receiver, dropping a pair of passes and being an overall non-factor on the offensive side of the ball.
The kicking game was a different story, though. He played very well on special teams, including a great play on a fair catch that saw him drive the blocker into the return man, causing a fumble and helping the Patriots get the ball in the red zone. If the team wants him for his special teams play, he did a good amount to help himself on Thursday. If the team wants him to play receiver, however, he all but ended his chance to make the roster.
It’s all going to depend on what the team wants out of him, but I think there’s a good chance that Baker still makes the initial roster as a special teamer and emergency wideout.
…Kyle Dugger continues to fight for a roster spot: It’s no secret that Kyle Dugger has slid down the depth chart, and might not be a fit for the Vrabel system. As a result, he has played deep into the last two preseason games.
A longtime starter, he could have easily been unhappy about his usage and not given his full effort out there. To his credit, however, he has continued to play hard and might have played his best football of the summer on Thursday night.
Dugger has proven that he is still an NFL talent, and, even if the Patriots don’t have a spot for him, someone might be willing to trade for him after what he has done the last few games.
…the kicking battle is too close to call: Parker Romo and Andy Borregales have been battling all camp for the kicker spot, and Borregales got all the kicking duties on Thursday night. He looked shaky, which is how he has looked the last few weeks of camp as well.
You would assume that it would be Borregales’ job to lose given that he was selected in this year’s draft, and it probably is, but there is an argument to be made that Romo has been the better kicker throughout camp. If that’s enough for him to win the job remains to be seen, but we will find out no later than Tuesday.
…they have a void at CB6: The Patriots have four very solid cornerbacks atop the depth chart, and a fifth in D.J. James, who has played well all camp. Outside of those five, however, the Patriots don’t have much to work with.
Kobee Minor has probably looked the best of the depth players, but I would still be surprised if he made the team. I had thought that Brandon Crossley was pushing for a roster spot, with his ability to play special teams, but he didn’t even see the field until the fourth quarter on Thursday night — a possible indication that he is not even on the bubble anymore.
I would think that Minor and maybe Crossley, Miles Battle, or Jordan Polk (who had a pair of penalties on Thursday) end up on the practice squad. Still, the Patriots need to hope that their top corners stay healthy, because I don’t think any of their other guys are ready to play real NFL snaps yet.
…Ben Wooldridge simply isn’t that good: There has been some discussion about the backup quarterback in New England, and a thought that maybe Joshua Dobbs would be passed on the depth chart by Ben Wooldridge. After seeing what we saw on Thursday, I’m not sure how anyone could possibly still believe that.
The undrafted rookie was, frankly, not good. He had numerous balls knocked down at the line, threw a bad interception that was returned for a touchdown, and simply was not very accurate with the football. He could stick on the practice squad if the Patriots believe that he could provide some good looks in practice, but it’s pretty safe to say that he won’t be on the active roster — or be pushing Dobbs — any time soon.
…one more receiver makes a push for the roster: The Patriots don’t have a ton of good depth on the roster, but one guy made a push on Thursday night: undrafted free agent Jeremiah Webb, who caught three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown and also gained a combined 34 yards on two punt returns.
Webb is pretty far down the depth chart, but he showed some real explosion and could be a good depth piece for the Patriots to stash on the practice squad. 
…the backup tight ends disappoint: The top two tight ends on the roster, Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, are locked into their positions on the roster, but there seemed to be a third spot up for grabs at tight end. None of the depth at the spot seemed to do much to take that spot, however.
I initially thought that C.J. Dippre would have the inside track because of his blocking ability, but he hasn’t really flashed in camp or in the three games. Fellow UDFA Gee Scott Jr. made some plays in camp, but never consistently, and most of the other guys made a splash in camp either.
If they want to go three deep at tight end over depth elsewhere, the final spot is most likely going to go to Jake Westover because he has looked like a competent fullback at times. It is possible that Scott or Dippre will stick on the practice squad, just like fellow TE/FB hybrid Cole Fotheringham, but none of them has made a strong case to be a guy that the Patriots will use one of their roster spots to keep.

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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Brian Hines</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[7 winners and losers from the Patriots’ 42-10 loss to the Giants]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/107224/patriots-giants-winners-losers-nfl-preseason-webb-mapu" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/107224/5-winners-and-losers-from-the-patriots-20-12-win-over-the-vikings</id>
<updated>2025-08-22T04:01:12-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-22T05:00:00-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Opinion" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Preseason" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Almost exclusively relying on backup players and depth options, the New England Patriots lost their preseason finale in lopsided fashion on Thursday night. The New York Giants got the better of Mike Vrabel’s team to the tune of a 42-10 blowout defeat. Here is who caught our eye for better or worse upon live viewing. […]]]></summary>
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Almost exclusively relying on backup players and depth options, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> lost their preseason finale in lopsided fashion on Thursday night. The New York Giants got the better of Mike Vrabel’s team to the tune of a 42-10 blowout defeat.
Here is who caught our eye for better or worse upon live viewing.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="VI6lgA">Winners</h2>
WR Jeremiah Webb: The undrafted wide receiver has been trending upwards lately in camp, and ended the preseason on a high note leading the team with three catches for 31 yards while hauling in New England’s long touchdown of the night. Webb also added a 22-yard punt return a week after breaking a long kick return. Webb, who has received positive remarks from Mike Vrabel this offseason, projects as a strong practice strong candidate ahead of NFL cutdown day.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Jeremiah Webb hauls it in for the TD! 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonPrime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonPrime</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qk6qbKuorY">pic.twitter.com/Qk6qbKuorY</a>— New England Patriots (@Patriots) <a href="https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1958704197135696201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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S Kyle Dugger: Entering the night facing question marks about his future, Dugger had a better performance Thursday night and did not play deep into the fourth quarter as he did last week. While his interception was largely due to a miscommunication from the Giants perspective, Dugger was in the right area as he was on numerous downfield incompletions leading to two pass deflections and six tackles.
“I thought he flashed. I thought he triggered. I thought he tackled. I thought his length showed up — all these things,” Mike Vrabel said post game. “And we didn’t blitz anybody tonight. We didn’t do any of that. Just playing in our base scheme and those things I thought showed up tonight.”
LB Marte Mapu: Mapu continues to look more comfortable back at linebacker, as he tallied five total tackles and had a strong pass breakup in coverage on a running back. With limited depth at the linebacker position and Jahlani Tavai still sidelined, finding room for Mapu, who also adds special teams value, on the 53-man roster seems worthwhile.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="VI6lgA">Losers</h2>
OL Cole Strange and Sidy Sow: Roster spots were up for grabs for New England’s top reserve offensive line, but the duo of Strange and Sow did not appear to help themselves in live action. While Sow was the first of the group to join the starters on the sidelines, he failed to pick up a stunt by Abdul Carter on New England’s first drive leading to a pressure before not reaching a Giants defender on a pull leading to a tackle for loss.
Serving as center No. 2 behind Ben Brown, Strange was called for a hold and had a muffed exchange with Ben Wooldridge in addition to a high snap. 
Depth cornerbacks: The Giants passing attack moved the ball efficiently Thursday night at the expense of New England’s depth corners. That started with Miles Battle allowing a touchdown on the opening drive to tight end Greg Dulcich, while Kobee Minor also allowed a touchdown late. Jordan Polk was then flagged twice for holding.
K Andy Borregales: The rookie handled both of New England’s field goals and the lone extra point — usage that would indicate he’s the leader in the clubhouse for the starting kicking job. But, Borregales’ struggles from distance continued as he pushed a 49-yard field goal wide right before rebounding with a 30-yard chip shot.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="VI6lgA">Honorable mentions</h2>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Drawing the start, Wooldridge was sharp on New England’s lone touchdown drive while his pick-six appeared to be when he was expecting Jaheim Bell to sit down. Wooldridge did have three batted passes. The Amazon broadcast relayed that Josh McDaniels and the coaching staff were working to raise his release this summer to avoid such problems.</li>
<li>Javon Baker failed to haul in either of his two targets with both hitting his hands before being broken up by Giants defenders (the second pass being slightly behind him). He also was called for an OPI penalty on a screen, but rebounded in the kicking game by running a blocker into a returner to force a fumble.</li>
<li>John Jiles converted a pair of third downs on New England’s scoring drive. Like Webb, he seems like a strong practice squad candidate.</li>
<li>Jared Wilson logged 10 snaps at left guard and appeared to do strong work in the run game and be clean in pass pro.</li>
<li>Keion White played into the second quarter as Vrabel noted he continues to have things to work on. While White drew a hold, he didn’t seem to make much of an impact elsewhere.</li>
<li>Kyle Peko, a late summer add, logged a pair of pressures and QB hit on Jaxson Dart.</li>
<li>Marcus Epps was in coverage on a pair of late touchdown passes.</li>
<li>Jabrill Peppers’ playing time was so the coaching staff could get him reps next to Craig Woodson in the secondary — something they have not been able to do in preseason action to date.</li>
</ul>
 
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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Brian Hines</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Kyle Dugger not worried about standing on Patriots roster ahead of cut-down day]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-media-transcripts-statements-interviews/107240/kyle-dugger-not-worried-about-standing-on-patriots-roster-ahead-of-cut-down-day" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/?p=107240</id>
<updated>2025-08-22T00:19:38-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-22T00:19:38-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots First Read" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[One year removed from signing a four-year, $58 million contract extension, Kyle Dugger’s future with the New England Patriots has been a key question mark with the team this offseason. Adjusting to a new coaching staff and defensive scheme led by Mike Vrabel, Dugger played throughout the fourth quarter in New England’s second preseason game […]]]></summary>
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One year removed from signing a four-year, $58 million contract extension, Kyle Dugger’s future with the New England Patriots has been a key question mark with the team this offseason.
Adjusting to a new coaching staff and defensive scheme led by Mike Vrabel, Dugger played throughout the fourth quarter in New England’s second preseason game in Minnesota. Less than a week later, Dugger again took the field in the second half as projected starters watched in street clothes from the sidelines.
But with NFL cut-down day on Tuesday, the 29-year old is not anxious about his standing on the roster.
“Nah. Things are going to go, how they’re going to go,” <a href="https://x.com/yaboiTCfresh/status/1958734046881632452">Dugger told reporters</a> after the game. “Trusting God in it and I’m going to keep taking opportunities I have to continue to get better.”
When on the field Thursday night, Dugger turned in perhaps one of his best performances of the summer. In addition to being in the right spot to capitalize on a Giants miscommunication and haul in an interception on fourth-down, Dugger was tight in coverage on numerous downfield incompletions.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Easy interception for Kyle Dugger. Watch on Prime Video Also streaming on <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/bSYWgnRAy5">pic.twitter.com/bSYWgnRAy5</a>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1958700261385675142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The safety, who noted he’s continuing to get back to playing faster, also flashed coming down hill en route to piling up six solo tackles.
“I think he’s continued to take advantage of the opportunities and the reps. I think he’s feeling more comfortable,” Vrabel said post game. “We talked about a long rehab process in the offseason that he committed to. But it wasn’t a quick rehab process. He had surgery. And so I think that he’s gotten better. I think he’s improved. I think he’s feeling better. It looks like he’s feeling better on tape. So, that’s good to see. Those are all positive things — making a play, two interceptions.
“I thought he flashed. I thought he triggered. I thought he tackled. I thought his length showed up — all these things. And we didn’t blitz anybody tonight. We didn’t do any of that. Just playing in our base scheme and those things I thought showed up tonight.”
Despite a positive review from his head coach, Dugger believes there remains room for growth.
“I got a lot of work to do. A lot of room for improvement. That’s what I’m focused on,” he said.
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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Oliver Thomas</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Instant analysis from Patriots’ 42-10 preseason loss to Giants]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/107150/nfl-preseason-instant-analysis-patriots-giants" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/?p=107150</id>
<updated>2025-08-21T23:58:56-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-21T23:34:13-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Game Reports" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots News" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Preseason" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[There was one game left in August for head coach Mike Vrabel’s 91-man roster. The New England Patriots turned it into a 42-10 loss to the New York Giants on Thursday night. Here’s a glance back on the preseason finale at MetLife Stadium as the NFL’s cutdown deadline looms back in Foxborough. Wooldridge goes 10-of-20 […]]]></summary>
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There was one game left in August for head coach Mike Vrabel’s 91-man roster.
The New England Patriots turned it into a 42-10 loss to the New York Giants on Thursday night.
Here’s a glance back on the preseason finale at MetLife Stadium as the NFL’s cutdown deadline looms back in Foxborough.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Wooldridge goes 10-of-20 from start to finish</h2>
Drake Maye threw for 58 yards through two preseason starts. There would not be another for the quarterback. It would be an undrafted rookie under center for the Patriots instead.
Ben Wooldridge completed 10-of-20 passes for 82 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The 25-year-old by way of Fresno State and Louisiana began with a three-and-out on a shallow crosser under pressure. Three batted passes were endured at the line of scrimmage during his night. But some semblance of a rhythm was found on a 14-play, 80-yard scoring drive going into the half.
Even so, the score soon read 35-10. That was the case as Wooldridge threw behind tight end Jaheim Bell in the seam in the third quarter. Giants cornerback T.J. Moore, who was later carted off, made the most of it with a pick-six from 44 yards away. On a quarterback depth chart likely to include Joshua Dobbs as the lone backup, there is a candidate to continue working with on the practice squad.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Three running backs handle 33 carries</h2>
The hay has been in the barn for Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson and No. 38 overall pick TreVeyon Henderson, who found the end zone as a returner and a rusher in his first NFL preseason. But if there was a last chance to create a fourth job at running back, it was in East Rutherford.
The night went quietly there.
Veteran JaMycal Hasty started and stayed in to rush for 30 yards on 11 carries while catching his lone target. Shane Watts, signed <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/106458/patriots-sign-shane-watts-waive-deneric-prince-running-back-swap">last week</a>, found a crease on an outside zone and finished with a team-high 52 yards on 15 carries. And fellow rookie Micah Bernard, <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/106976/patriots-reportedly-sign-micah-bernard-waive-tre-avery-preseason-finale">days into his stay</a>, rushed for 16 yards on seven handoffs with Terrell Jennings not cleared to play.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Up in the air on the offensive line</h2>
Only seven offensive linemen appear locked into 53-man roster spots for the Patriots as the summer winds down. Rookie draft investments in LSU’s Will Campbell, Georgia’s Jared Wilson and Missouri’s Marcus Bryant stand in that tier. The same goes for vets Ben Brown, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses.
Potentially two or three openings were still at stake against the Giants. Vederian Lowe started at left tackle. Sidy Sow started at right guard. The aforementioned Wilson, Brown and Bryant joined them. A stunt on the right side of the protection soon sent the punt team on before the bookends switched sides. Another three-and-out followed.
So did shuffling. Cole Strange, who dealt with a high snap and was called for holding with a yard to go at the goal line, had subbed in at center by the fourth series. Over the former first-rounder’s shoulder by then was Caedan Wallace at left guard and preseason <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/post/L3ZzsfxHT8bH">offensive snap leader</a> Demontrey Jacobs on the blindside. Tyrese Robinson and Jack Conley were among the handful by the fourth quarter. A single sack was allowed by outing’s end.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Jiles and Webb lead lean receiver room</h2>
March signings Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, 2023 draft picks DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, as well as third-rounder Kyle Williams will be in the plans for the fall. And after leading New England’s wide receiver room in targets, catches, yards and touchdowns through two preseason games, undrafted free agent Efton Chism III should be, too.
That set sights elsewhere on Thursday. Especially with veteran Kendrick Bourne missing his third consecutive contest and last year’s No. 37 overall pick, Ja’Lynn Polk, reportedly set for <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/107154/jalynn-polk-reportedly-set-to-undergo-season-ending-shoulder-surgery">season-ending shoulder surgery</a>. Javon Baker dropped his first target on a third-and-10 slant. The rising sophomore couldn’t reach back to corral his next, either, yet operated as the kick returner and had a hand in a forcing a muffed punt with a strong push as a gunner.
<a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion-analysis/106521/patriots-giants-examining-roster-ties-preseason-finale">Ex-Giant</a> John Jiles started out wide and caught three passes for 26 yards. Jeremiah Webb also helped out at the shorthanded position with a 10-yard fade for his first NFL touchdown going into halftime. The rookie from South Dakota and South Alabama finished with three catches for 31 yards. He bounced loose for an additional 22 on his second explosive punt return in as many games.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Ironing out the edges</h2>
Veteran outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings amassed three sacks after halftime last weekend against the Minnesota Vikings’ reserves at U.S. Bank Stadium. He may have kept himself in the company of K’Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry III by doing so. But No. 33 was not in uniform after recently being sidelined from practice.
There was more to be ironed out off the edges. Keion White, who drew a hold and generated multiple pressures, started and saw work until halftime. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-media-transcripts-statements-interviews/107028/patriots-coach-high-praise-undrafted-pass-rusher">Cal Poly product</a> Elijah Ponder was in the opening lineup and in on a quarterback hit soon after. Meanwhile, offseason award winner Truman Jones logged two tackles and added an assist on special teams.
The lone sack of the night arrived courtesy of inside linebacker Jack Gibbens against Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Room for a sixth seat at cornerback?</h2>
With established cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III taking a backseat, those behind them kept the things on the road in the preseason. Count Marcus Jones as well as Thursday night starters Alex Austin and D.J. James in that group.
But could there be room for a sixth man in the car? Jordan Polk entered the 8 p.m. ET kickoff with a sack, an interception and a <a href="https://x.com/OliverBThomas/status/1957128781530906754">touchdown-saving pursuit</a> already on film in the preseason. From there, the UDFA out of East Texas A&M and Texas State recorded four tackles, broke up a pass and was called for two holding penalties. The first of which negated a fumble recovery for the Patriots.
The night required some give and take at corner. New York’s opening drive ended with a third-and-6 touchdown slant with Miles Battle in coverage. Kobee Minor later got beat on a go route by Giants receiver Jalin Hyatt for a 27-yard touchdown, yet “Mr. Irrelevant” notched a pair of pass breakups. Third-year pro Isaiah Bolden deflected a pass into the end zone in the third quarter, as well.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Dugger steps up for lonesome, crowded safety depth chart</h2>
Jabrill Peppers and rookie Craig Woodson started for New England’s safety depth chart on Thursday night. Come September, Jaylinn Hawkins and reigning All-Pro Brenden Schooler will also occupy spots there. After that, to pull from Modest Mouse’s 1997 album, it’s “The Lonesome Crowded West.”
A short week removed from being in for an interception on the final down, Kyle Dugger outlasted a pair of centerfield deep shots by Giants quarterback Jameis Winston. The 29-year-old <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion-analysis/107119/how-realistic-kyle-dugger-anfernee-jennings-trades-patriots">former starter</a> added six tackles and a backpedaling pick in the end zone on a fourth-and-4 miscommunication. It was a strong finale for a player in the trade winds just an offseason after signing a four-year, $58 million deal.
The top pick in the 2020 Patriots draft class was in next to Dell Pettus and Marcus Epps as the late second quarter became the early fourth quarter. The latter safety got caught in coverage on touchdown catches in the flat by tight ends Thomas Fidone II and Greg Dulcich.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Choose your kicker</h2>
It’s coming down to the wire for Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer. There’s been little separating the two kickers in the fold.
An April draft choice entered the preseason finale having gone 2-of-3 on field goals, including a make from 51 and a miss from 57 yards, plus 5-of-5 on extra points. A January futures signing entered it having gone 2-of-2 on field goals, including a make from 57 yards, plus 3-of-3 on extra points.
Andres Borregales pushed his first attempt against the Giants wide right from 49 away. He later converted from 30, made his lone extra point and handled every kickoff. John Parker Romo served as a spectator.
]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Brian Hines</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Patriots vs. Giants recap: Starters sit out as Pats drop preseason finale 42-10]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-game-reports/107165/patriots-giants-final-score-live-updates-news-game-details-recap-nfl-preseason" />
<id>https://www.patspulpit.com/107165/patriots-vs-vikings-recap-efton-chism-iii-helps-power-new-england-to-second-preseason-win</id>
<updated>2025-08-22T01:44:12-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-08-21T23:01:26-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Game Information" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Game Reports" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots News" /><category scheme="https://www.patspulpit.com" term="New England Patriots Preseason" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[It was a rout down in MetLife as the New England Patriots dropped their preseason finale 42-10 to the New York Giants. While first-round pick Jaxson Dart led things off for the Giants offense, New England was without Drake Maye and the majority of their starters on both sides of the football — leading to […]]]></summary>
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It was a rout down in MetLife as the New England Patriots dropped their preseason finale 42-10 to the New York Giants.
While first-round pick Jaxson Dart led things off for the Giants offense, New England was without Drake Maye and the majority of their starters on both sides of the football — leading to Ben Wooldridge drawing the start and going the distance under center.
Here’s everything that went down Thursday night in East Rutherford.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="DIfS1R">Final Score: Patriots 10 : 42 Giants</h2>
Thursday, August 21, 8 p.m. ET | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ | <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-game-information/107108/patriots-giants-how-to-watch-nfl-preseason-game-today-live-stream">Broadcast Information</a> | <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-preseason/107066/patriots-to-watch-nfl-preseason-giants">Players to watch</a> | <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/7/23/24473004/patriots-updated-roster-2025-nfl-season">Patriots depth chart</a>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="5lMOQ0">First Quarter</h4>
The Patriots backup defense — outside of Keion White, Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson, and Alex Austin — started things out Thursday night, which put Giants first-round rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart on the field. On Dart’s second play of scrimmage, he stepped up to find a wide open Gunner Olszewski for a 50-yard catch-and-run. Facing third-down inside the 10-yard line, Dart found Greg Dulcich in the end zone for a score. [Patriots 0 : 7 Giants]
Ben Wooldridge drew the start at quarterback for the Patriots, but his first drive went nowhere as his third-down completion under pressure off the right side — where top pick Abdul Carter was working against Marcus Bryant and Sidy Sow on a stunt — to Jeremiah Webb was short of the sticks.
New York’s next drive resulted in a punt, as Dart moved the chains once before a third-down pass downfield fell to the turf.
Wooldridge’s next drive went nowhere again, as Marcus Bryant was flagged for an illegal formation penally before a third-down pass was batted at the line of scrimmage.
After an opening first-down on the ground, New England’s pass rush got home as Jack Gibbens cleaned up a sack off an initial Jeremiah Pharms pressure before Keion White drew a hold. Facing a third-and-24, Dart’s dump off was short of the sticks leading to a punt.
A 22-yard return by Jeremiah Webb set New England’s offense up over midfield. Three straight runs to JaMycal Hasty set up a fourth-and-one, where New England opted for a 49-yard field goal which Andy Borregales pushed wide right.
Taking over at their own 39-yard line following the miss, Dart’s second-down attempt was broken up by Marte Mapu before a third-down pass was dropped downfield. Keeping the offense on the field on fourth-down, Dart scrambled to move the chains but fumbled in the process — which was negated by a defensive holding on Jordan Polk. Exiting the game after taking a hit, Jameis Winston entered at quarterback and needed just one play to hit Jalin Hyatt for a 30-yard touchdown. [Patriots 0 : 14 Giants]
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="5lMOQ0">Second Quarter</h4>
Three straight Shane Watts carries picked up a first-down to start the Patriots next possession before an eventual run stuff helped set up a third-and-10. Just over midfield, Wooldridge’s pass to Javon Baker short of the sticks was dropped. Baker quickly made up for it by helping force a fumble on the ensuing punt by running his blocker into the returner to give New England the ball back outside the 10-yard line. On third-and-goal from the 12, Wooldridge’s pass slightly behind Baker fell incomplete. Borregales’ 30-yard attempt was then good. [Patriots 3 : 14 Giants]
Jameis Winston remained at quarterback for the Giants and converted a third-down through the air to Olszewski for 16 yards. Over midfield, Kyle Dugger helped set up a fourth-and-six where Jordan Polk was flagged for holding to move the chains. Eventually facing another fourth-and-short in the red area, Winston’s pass into the end zone overshot a receiver off a miscommunication and fell into the arms of Kyle Dugger.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Easy interception for Kyle Dugger. Watch on Prime Video Also streaming on <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/bSYWgnRAy5">pic.twitter.com/bSYWgnRAy5</a>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1958700261385675142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Taking over after the interception, John Jiles converted a pair of third-downs through the air to move New England just shy of midfield. Once over the 50 following the two-minute warning, a completion Jeremiah Webb gained 17 yards before a strike to Phil Lutz picked up 12 more to move the ball to the 10-yard line. With nine seconds left, Wooldridge lofted a pass back to Webb who hauled it in for a touchdown. [Patriots 10 : 14 Giants]
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Jeremiah Webb hauls it in for the TD! 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonPrime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonPrime</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qk6qbKuorY">pic.twitter.com/Qk6qbKuorY</a>— New England Patriots (@Patriots) <a href="https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1958704197135696201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Winston took a knee to end the half.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="5lMOQ0">Third Quarter</h4>
New England started the second half going backwards as Shane Watts was brought down for a loss before Baker was tabbed for an offensive pass interference. Facing third-and-18, a draw to Watts led to a punt.
Tommy DeVito took over under center for the Giants to begin the third quarter and connected on his first five passes to quickly move New York inside New England’s five-yard line. Facing third-and-goal, DeVito capped off the drive by finding Thomas Fidone along the goal line for a score with Marcus Epps in coverage. [Patriots 10 : 21 Giants]
Wooldridge’s next drive ended rather quickly as he had his third pass of the game batted at the line of scrimmage on third-down to force a punt.
DeVito got the Giants on the move again moving the chains on numerous occasions over the 50-yard line. New York then struck the big play on a screen — an area New England’s defense struggled with last week — to Jonathan Ward who took it 41 yards for a touchdown. [Patriots 10 : 28 Giants]
Back with the ball, Wooldridge’s second pass was jumped and intercepted — as it appeared the quarterback expected tight end Jaheim Bell to sit — by T.J. Moore who returned it 44 yards for a touchdown. [Patriots 10 : 35 Giants]
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="5lMOQ0">Fourth Quarter</h4>
New England kept the ball on ground their next drive which resulted in one first-down before a punt.
DeVitro continued his hot half hitting former Patriot Lil’Jordan Humphrey for a 38-yard catch-and-run as the Giants worked into New England territory. A completion up to seam to Fidone then set New York up on the goal line, where a play-action bootleg to Dulcich for a score. [Patriots 10 : 42 Giants]
Three straight runs picked up just two yards leading to another punt.
The Giants quickly went three-and-out themselves before punting the ball back to New England.
Taking back over with 3:49 left in the fourth, New England kept the ball on the ground with Shane Watts to end the game.
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