Patriots' rookies stand out in 31-3 drubbing of Lions in preseason debut
The first preseason game couldn't have gone any better if you're the New England Patriots.
Their offense torched the Detroit Lions for 31 points and looked pretty much unstoppable for the majority of the night.
Jakobi Meyers, who we've highlighted on several occasions, looked like the Patriots' best receiver throughout the game recording six receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns.
Meyers, who's had a great training camp thus far, hopes to make it 16 straight seasons where an undrafted rookie free agent has cracked New England's 53-man roster. If he keeps making plays like this, then that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
First-round pick N'keal Harry also looked great in his limited action recording two catches for 36 yards. His first catch as a Patriot showed us exactly what he can be for New England on third and long situations.
Harry also got a chance to show off his outstanding leaping ability with this acrobatic grab in the second quarter.
Harry, who's been dealing with hamstring issues, limped off after the play but appeared to be fine after walking it off on the sideline.
Brian Hoyer was the man under center for the majority of the first half and helped improve his case for the position as the team's backup QB. In just under a half of action, Hoyer was 12-14 for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
After Hoyer led the New England offense to their third touchdown it was Jarrett Stidham time. The Patriots offense didn't seem to miss a beat as the 2019 fourth-round selection looked cool, calm, and collected in the pocket completing 14 passes on 24 attempts for 179 yards and a score.
Stidham also had four carries for 22 yards and showed off his athleticism picking up first downs on two instances.
Maurice Harris had his up and downs dropping two would-be touchdowns from Stidham but had the chance to showcase the ball skills on this one-handed touchdown grab late in the first quarter.
As for the rest of the offense, fourth-round Hjalte Froholdt was a menace at guard all night for the team constantly dominating his one on one battles. Froholdt looks to be one of the top rotational players on the offensive line as he has the versatility to play both guard and center.
Matt LaCosse had a pair of grabs for 37 yards and looks to be the team's number one tight end when Ben Watson serves his four-game suspension.
Braxton Berrios looked great on punt-return all night but also contributed on offense recording three receptions for 45 yards. Berrios' best chance to make the roster right now will be because of his ability to contribute on special teams. That said, great overall night for Berrios.
UDFA Nick Brossette was an absolute workhorse for the team carrying the ball 22 times for 62 yards and a score. In a deep running back group, Brossette's chances of making the roster look swim.
Switching gears, let's take a look at the defense that held the Lions to 3 points.
Derek Rivers entered training camp on the roster bubble but proved in the team's first preseason that there should be a spot for him on the roster. The former 2016 third-round pick out of Youngstown State recorded two sacks and was a constant threat in the pass rush.
Speaking of threats in the pass rush, how about the first couple series out of Jamie Collins.
At this point, Collins looks like a mortal lock to make the final 53-man roster.
Another player that was active in the pass rush was 2019 third-round pick Chase Winovich. The former Michigan edge rusher recorded one and a half sacks and his high motor was on full display.
Expect Winovich to be a big contributor to this new and improved New England defense.
Danny Shelton and Ja'Whaun Bentley also recorded sacks and look to be impact players in the second seasons with the Patriots.
2018 second-round pick Duke Dawson struggled all night in coverage and was burned on two separate occasions for big gains. While it seemed unfathomable that New England would part ways with a second-round pick just a year after drafting him, I just can't see them keeping him around on the active roster. This cornerback group is far too talented and too deep to keep a guy that is a liability in coverage.
Obi Melifonwu bit on a run fake in the first half and was beat for a first down because of it. That said, Melifonwu played solid against the run racking up a couple of tackles.
Hard to find too many negatives out of a Patriots team that just put a beat down on the Lions. The defense only allowed 93 total yards, sacked the quarterback nine times, and allowed only three points. While it's only preseason, expect this defensive group to be even better in this season than they were in 2018.
The offense racked up 459 yards, scored four touchdowns, and moved the ball up and down the field at will. A lot of young players contributed and the veterans looked great in their limited action. With all that said, New England needs to improve in their running game. 3.3 yards per carry is nothing to write home about.
Overall, you could not have really scripted a better game for the Patriots to kick off the preseason. Absolutely dominated, no serious injuries and Tom Brady's sideline demeanor looks to be in mid-season form.
What more could you ask for?
