The New England Patriots just snagged a 24-21 preseason victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, and here’s the kicker: Drake Maye didn’t take a single snap. Instead, the Patriots’ reserve quarterbacks threw for a combined 324 yards, showing off an encouraging offensive formula loaded with explosive plays through the air that nobody was expecting from their depth.
Williams Shows Why Speed Kills
Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton didn’t just move the chains; they launched rockets. The two backup QBs connected on long touchdown throws to young receivers that covered a combined 106 yards. This means the Patriots don’t have to live and die by short throws and methodical drives with their backups. The first major highlight? Kyle Williams late in the second quarter. DeVito stepped up, fired deep down the middle, and Williams was gone for a 69-yard touchdown that briefly put New England up 10-7.
If you’ve been watching, Williams’ speed isn’t a secret. The Patriots drafted him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft specifically for his ability to stretch defenses vertically. As a rookie, he caught only 10 passes, but those grabs churned out 209 yards and three touchdowns, averaging a wild 20.9 yards per catch. Coach Mike Vrabel admitted they wanted to give Williams more work because he still needs to improve in some areas, but he also knows the value of that explosiveness. Vrabel told reporters, “I love his ability outside the numbers to be able to stretch the field.” That Philadelphia touchdown? Yeah, that’s exactly what he’s talking about.
Morton’s Trust in DeGennaro is Paying Off
The aerial assault didn’t stop there. Facing a 21-17 deficit in the fourth quarter, Morton orchestrated a clutch 11-play, 73-yard drive that ended with a 37-yard touchdown to undrafted rookie Nick DeGennaro. Morton saw Philadelphia’s coverage, put the ball where only his guy could get it, and DeGennaro secured the catch for the decisive score. Morton explained, “Nick had a great release, avoided the corner. It looked like Cover 2, so I put it on a line where it was him or nobody.” That’s trust, right there.
Morton wrapped up his night 13-for-17 for 129 yards, one touchdown, and zero picks. DeVito was equally sharp, going 12-for-16 for 195 yards and his own score. Together, these two combined for 25 completions on 33 attempts for a staggering 324 yards through the air.
This whole performance really puts the spotlight on the receiver room. A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Mack Hollins are probably locked into major roles, but behind them, it’s wide open. Williams brings that proven vertical speed we just saw. DeGennaro, as an undrafted rookie, is fighting for a job, and Efton Chism III continued his steady summer with four catches. These explosive plays just cranked up the pressure on every single receiver trying to make this roster.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply