The New England Patriots have wrapped up the pre-season finishing with a 2-1 record. Throughout the preseason, there were several standouts who ultimately ended up earning themselves a spot on the 53 man roster.
Second round pick out of Ohio State, TreVeyon Henderson had a massive showing in the preseason. In the preseason opener vs the Washington Commanders, Henderson took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. He also tallied an 18 yard run and three catches for 12 yards. In the next preseason game vs the Minnesota Vikings, Henderson ran four carries for 20 yards and a nice touchdown. As a result of such a strong showing in the first two preseason games, Henderson sat out of the last one which to some extent hinted at him being a roster lock.
UDFA (undrafted free agent) out of Eastern Washington, Efton Chism had a serious showing throughout the entirety of the offseason. Prior to the first preseason game being played, there were constant reports on his ability to get open and his reliable hands. The hype got so big that there became comparisons to former Patriots’ WRs Julian Edelman & Danny Amendola. Preseason game one came, and Chism delivered. Not only were his ability to get open and his reliable hands on display, but it was a sight to see regarding his toughness in his YAC (yards after catch) ability. Chism ended the game vs the Commanders with six grabs for 50 yards and a touchdown. The next preseason game vs the Minnesota Vikings came and Chism came to play once again. After a promising showing in the first game, he topped that in game two with six grabs for 71 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he did not play the final preseason game, but he solidified himself through the first two contests.
Lastly on the list of preseason standouts is linebacker Marté Mapu. After struggling his first two years, he is finally seeming to get acclimated. The first two years Mapu was a safety, a position that did not seem to quite fit him. Luckily, the new regime noticed this and transition him to more of a pass-coverage linebacker. In previous years Mapu has also struggled with tackling. In the first preseason contest vs the Commanders and last contest vs the Giants, he flashed some good improvement.
As the team preps for the Raiders, there are a few matchups to watch for in the game on Sunday.
The most important matchup has to be the Patriots’ offensive tackles vs Maxx Crosby. Through six seasons, Crosby has racked up 59.5 sacks. He also has one of the highest pressure rates throughout the entire NFL. Rookie left tackle Will Campbell and right tackle Morgan Moses have their hands full containing Maxx Crosby.
The Patriots defense also has a big responsibility locating and keeping multiple defenders on Brock Bowers. In his rookie season with questionable quarterback play, Bowers put up 1194 receiving yards with five touchdowns and now Geno Smith will be throwing him the football. As things look at the moment, Christian Gonzalez will probably not be playing on Sunday. His absence will make a big impact on the secondary slowing down Bowers.
To the Patriots’ advantage, it will be interesting to see the Raiders’ gameplay to slow down Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Both of these guys can rush the passer, but also stop the run. Another aspect of their game that gives them the advantage is their athleticism. If the Raiders are not ready, Williams and Barmore could wreak havoc the entire game.
Josh McDaniels’ run attack should be able to thrive vs the Raiders as well. Though their defensive front has Max Crosby, after him there seems to be some gaps that could be exploited. With Christian Wilkins no longer being a member of the Raiders, the interior of the defensive line for the Raiders could be a huge question mark. Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, and Treveyon Henderson could all be slated for a big day.
As the game lingers, these are a few storylines to watch unfold. Both teams are looking to start something new with new head coaches who are familiar with one another. Though the Patriots will be without star Christian Gonzalez, the team is prepping to win and start a new culture with the new regime.
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