New England Patriots vs. Washington Commanders: A Preseason Showdown

The New England Patriots and the Washington Commanders faced off in a thrilling preseason matchup on August 25, 2024. While this was a preseason game, it offered fans a glimpse into the potential of both teams’ young talent and strategic adjustments.   

Key Takeaways from the Game

Maye’s Strong Performance: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye impressed with his accuracy and decision-making, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.

His performance solidified his position as a potential future starter for the Patriots.   

Brissett’s Injury Concerns: Starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett left the game early due to a shoulder injury, raising concerns about his availability for the regular season.   

Commanders’ Offensive Surge: The Commanders’ offense, led by Trace McSorley, showed promise, with McSorley completing 12 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. He also contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 40 yards.   

Defensive Highlights: Both teams’ defenses showcased their abilities, with key plays like sacks and interceptions. K.J. Henry and Keion White were particularly impressive for the Commanders and Patriots, respectively.

Player Stats Breakdown

New England Patriots

Passing:

Drake Maye: 13/20, 126 yards, 1 TD   

Joe Milton III: 1/6, 3 yards

Bailey Zappe: 1/12, 10 yards

Rushing:

Ty Montgomery: 12 carries, 32 yards

Kevin Harris: 5 carries, 21 yards

Pierre Strong Jr: 3 carries, 11 yards

Receiving:

Tyquan Thornton: 4 receptions, 45 yards

Jalen Wydermyer: 3 receptions, 20 yards

DeVante Parker: 2 receptions, 17 yards

Washington Commanders

Passing:

Trace McSorley: 12/21, 125 yards, 1 TD

Jake Fromm: 6/13, 72 yards

Rushing:

Tyrell Jackson: 6 carries, 25 yards

Chris Rodriguez Jr: 4 carries, 39 yards   

Trace McSorley: 4 carries, 40 yards   

Receiving:

Jahan Dotson: 4 receptions, 44 yards

Dyami Brown: 3 receptions, 43 yards

Curtis Samuel: 2 receptions, 30 yards

Key Matchup Analysis

Quarterback Battle: The Patriots’ quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Maye emerging as a potential star but Brissett’s injury casting doubt. The Commanders, with McSorley’s impressive performance, seem to have a clear backup option behind their starters.

Offensive Line Play: Both teams need to improve their offensive line play to protect their quarterbacks and create running lanes. The preseason provided valuable experience for young linemen.

Defensive Intensity: The defenses were solid, with key plays made by both sides. The ability to consistently pressure the quarterback and stop the run will be crucial in the regular season.

Looking Ahead

While this was a preseason game, it offered valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. The Patriots and Commanders will need to continue to develop their young talent and address their shortcomings to be competitive in the upcoming season.

FAQs

Who won the Patriots vs. Commanders game, and what was the score?

The Washington Commanders narrowly defeated the New England Patriots with a score of 20-17. This victory marked the Commanders’ first road win against the Patriots since 1996​.

What were the standout offensive performances in the game?

Washington Commanders: Quarterback Sam Howell completed 29 of 45 passes for 325 yards and a touchdown. Terry McLaurin led the receivers with 86 yards on five receptions. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. contributed 44 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown​.

New England Patriots: Mac Jones completed 20 of 34 passes for 220 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Hunter Henry caught the Patriots’ lone touchdown pass​.

How did the defenses perform in the game?

Commanders Defense: Benjamin St-Juste had three passes defensed and three tackles, while Jartavius “Quan” Martin recorded his first career interception. The defensive unit limited New England to just 17 points​.

Patriots Defense: Despite the loss, the Patriots forced two turnovers and kept Washington’s offense in check for much of the game, especially in the red zone​.

What were the key special teams contributions?

Joey Slye, the Commanders’ kicker, was perfect on his field-goal attempts, connecting from 30 and 37 yards. Punter Tress Way consistently pinned the Patriots deep in their territory. The Patriots’ special teams also had solid performances, including a 38-yard field goal from Chad Ryland​.

Were there any notable individual achievements or milestones?

Jartavius Martin’s first career interception was a highlight for Washington.

Benjamin St-Juste’s three passes defensed brought his season total to 13, placing him among franchise leaders through Week 9.

For the Patriots, Mac Jones surpassed 2,000 passing yards on the season during the game​.

In summary

The Patriots vs. Commanders matchup showcased a battle of strategy and resilience, culminating in a closely contested 20-17 victory for Washington. While both teams had their moments of brilliance, the Commanders’ ability to execute key plays in high-pressure situations ultimately made the difference.

Offensively, the Commanders leaned heavily on Sam Howell’s arm and Terry McLaurin’s reliable hands. Howell’s composure and big-play capability were evident as he threw for over 300 yards, consistently finding his top targets downfield. On the other hand, Brian Robinson Jr.’s dual-threat capabilities added a critical layer of unpredictability to their attack. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ offense struggled to find rhythm, despite Mac Jones’s efforts and Hunter Henry’s dependable play in the red zone.

Defensively, Washington’s secondary, led by Benjamin St-Juste and Jartavius Martin, put on an exceptional display, limiting the Patriots’ ability to capitalize on crucial opportunities. New England’s defense showed flashes of dominance, holding Washington to field goals on multiple occasions, but struggled to contain Howell’s passing game in the clutch.

Special teams played a significant role in shaping the game’s field position and momentum. Joey Slye’s perfect kicking and Tress Way’s precise punting provided Washington with an edge. For New England, Chad Ryland’s consistent performance kept them in contention but wasn’t enough to overcome other shortcomings.

This game underlined Washington’s growing confidence under pressure and highlighted areas where New England needs improvement to remain competitive in a tough AFC East division. It also provided thrilling moments for fans, reaffirming the unpredictable and captivating nature of NFL action​.

To read more, click here.