LANDOVER, Maryland – Drake Maye completed 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown for New England in the Patriots’ 20-10 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night in the final preseason game.
Maye, the freshman from North Carolina who is battling with Jacoby Brissett for a starting spot, made a good case, while the offensive line made it clear why new coach Jerod Mayo might not want to put him on the field right away.
Brissett started the first series and was sacked hard by defensive lineman KJ Henry. Brissett finished the series but left the team afterward, with the Patriots reporting he had a right shoulder injury.
Maye then closed the first half with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Harris. The Patriots finished the preseason 1-2.
Maye got little help from his offensive line, which was penalized eight times in the first half for false starts, holding or illegal positioning. Maye’s shoe flew off once because left guard Sidy Sow stepped on him so hard. Brissett’s injury occurred on a play in which two blockers ran into each other.
This could influence Mayo’s decision, especially given that Washington did not play any of its regular players on either side of the ball.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn was content to let the preseason clock run down, as quarterback Jayden Daniels was among 34 players who did not play Sunday.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL preseason game, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Landover, Maryland. Photo credit: AP/Nick Wass
With 3:06 minutes left, receiver Martavis Bryant caught a touchdown pass, securing the Commanders’ victory (1-2).
D-Line Intrigue
The Commanders will have difficult decisions to make regarding the defensive tackle position, especially after two strong performances against the Patriots.
Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne will be the starters, and rookie Johnny Newton has a spot assured. On Sunday night, Phidarian Mathis and John Ridgeway both made strong final statements to be included on the 53-man roster that will be announced Tuesday.
Get the kick
New England kicker Joey Slye returned to Washington, where he played last year, and was allowed a 64-yard field goal attempt just before halftime that fell short and a 60-yard field goal attempt at the end of the game that he missed to the left.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL preseason game, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Landover, Maryland. Photo credit: AP/George Walker IV
Sunday saw the first preseason appearance of Washington kicker Cade York, who was acquired from Cleveland earlier this week in a trade. York made two of two throws from 34 and 33 yards.
Next
Patriots: Regular season opens in Cincinnati on September 8,
Commanders: Open the regular season on September 8th in Tampa Bay.
