The New England Patriots’ preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts just wrapped up in a 13-13 tie at Gillette Stadium, and while the scoreboard wasn’t exactly lighting up with offensive fireworks, don’t let that fool you. This game, the first real look at the new-look squad, handed head coach Mike Vrabel and his staff a goldmine of data for the looming 53-man roster cutdown. Sixty different players hit the field, giving everyone, from starters to undrafted rookies, a chance to prove they belong.
Offensive Line Grind and QB Pecking Order Clarity
The offensive line got a serious workout, with several guys playing heavy minutes. Starting RG/LT James Hudson III led the pack with a massive 60 snaps, a full 82% of the offense’s total. LG Andrew Rupcich, another starter, wasn’t far behind at 58 snaps (79%). Center Jacob Rizy also saw significant action with 55 snaps. That kind of exposure is huge for evaluation. At quarterback, with Drake Maye absent, Tommy DeVito got the start and played 43 snaps, while Behren Morton saw 30. Both signal-callers had some positive moments out there, but the word is their pecking order seems pretty locked in. Honestly, other positions had way more interesting battles to watch.
Wide Receiver Room Heats Up, Rookie Shines
Now, the wide receiver battle? That’s where things got spicy. Four of the top seven wideouts got on the field. Veterans like Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, both starters, saw a handful of snaps early to get their feet wet. But it was Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III who saw comparatively extended playing time, hitting 26 and 32 snaps respectively. The real head-turner among the depth guys was undrafted rookie Nick DeGennaro, who racked up a team-high 46 snaps at receiver, accounting for a massive 63% of offensive plays. That’s a huge opportunity for a rookie, especially considering he wasn’t overused in Tuesday’s joint practice. Over at tight end, third-round pick Eli Raridon, already a roster lock and starter, led his position group with 39 snaps, catching one pass for 8 yards on four targets. This guy is going to be a key piece.
The coaches are absolutely drowning in film after this one. Every single snap from those 73 offensive plays is a data point, a piece of the puzzle, as they figure out who makes the final 53-man roster. For all these players, their roles, performances, and sheer exposure against the Colts were make-or-break moments. You can bet Vrabel and his crew are grinding through it all right now, trying to decide who gets to keep their locker. The cutdown deadline is looming, and every single one of these guys knows it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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