New England Patriots: Mac Jones headlines winners, losers from Preseason Week 2
The New England Patriots shut out the Philadelphia Eagles. There were plenty of winners, but a few losers as well.
Preseason or not, the New England Patriots are very much satisfied with a shutout victory, specifically their 35-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. Now 2-0 in preseason games this year, Bill Belichick’s squad will head into their final preseason contest against the New York Giants, knowing that is where they will determine their 53-man roster for the 2021 season.
It’s rather interesting that two of their preseason opponents happen to be the two franchises that defeated New England in the Super Bowl in the 21st century. But that’s beside the point.
What does matter is how some players, while not as flashy as anticipated, showed out strong, while others were not as fortunate. However, finding a list of the latter is hard to do when the opposition fails to score a single point.
Still, a list must be made, and as such, here are the winners and losers for the Patriots in their Week 2 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
New England Patriots winners from Preseason Week 1 vs. Eagles
Mac Jones, QB – Cam Newton may have thrown the only passing touchdown for the Patriots, but those who look really closely see just how much Mac Jones has improved and how comfortable he looks in the pocket, albeit in the preseason against reserves. However, you can only play what is in front of you, and expectations are that you perform to the best of your ability.
The Patriots invested a first-round pick in Jones, believing that he can become the future franchise quarterback and fill the shoes left by a legendary quarterback who will be making his return to Foxborough in Week 4. Jones may not have the flashy numbers, but it is about showing whether or not you can play in the preseason, and he most certainly did.
Matthew Judon, LB – When Judon was signed as a free agent this offseason, the purpose was to aid the pass rush, and that he did. One tackle doesn’t say much, but the constant motor and the endless pursuit of the quarterback during the game is one that head coach Bill Belichick will certainly be pleased with.
Furthermore, the ability to fly up and down and left and right across the field was evident by Judon throughout his time on the field. Judon will likely get the starting job in Week 1, but if he continues to play the way he played and add more to the stat sheet, this free-agent signing may pan out for the Patriots in a greater way.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB – Normally, when a running back is buried on the depth chart, he uses the preseason to catch the coach’s attention. If a 91-yard touchdown run against Washington was not enough to even move the eyebrows, consider two touchdowns the following week enough to turn heads. The former Sooner has got the eyes of the fans, but what about the coaches?
At this rate, Stevenson is likely to make the roster. However, he will likely see limited playing time behind Damien Harris, Sony Michel, and James White. Still, Patriots fans can be assured that he may have just secured his place on the team after two games of playing with an “I’ll show you” mentality.
New England Patriots losers from Preseason Week 1 vs. Eagles
Quinn Nordin, K – Nordin, a Michigan alum, was brought in to compete with Nick Folk for the starting job. After early success against Washington, Nordin turned a complete 180 and went 1-of-2 on field goal attempts and 2-of-4 on extra points. Consistency is key at the kicking position, and it wasn’t on display against the Eagles.
It is the preseason, however, but the kicker position has a little extra news behind it. For one, Folk, despite being a seasoned veteran, was at one point in danger of having Nordin take his spot, only to turn right around and have the competition back on. Things can change in an instant, and Nordin must do better for his sake.
Christian Barmore, DL – Based out of Philadelphia, the second-round pick from Alabama had a chance to shine in his hometown and instead racked up one tackle. So why would Judon with one tackle be labeled a winner and Barmore labeled a loser? It’s hard to say, but Barmore was expected to produce more and show more and, unfortunately, it didn’t show up like that.
Not to worry though, he’s not going anywhere. In terms of getting on the field, however, that is an entirely different story. Coach Belichick is very particular about his defensive line play and will only put those he is confident in on the field. Barmore can develop into that kind of player, but he’s got to show it on the field first.
Devin Asiasi, TE – Only one target and a non-completion? Coupled with how New England chose not to activate their top two tight ends and have you as the primary option at that position? Though he had his chances throughout the game, the former third-round pick did little to help his case.
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However, all hope is not lost as Asiasi has one final chance this preseason against the Giants to prove that he belongs on the roster, although New England is likely to only carry three tight ends to the final squad, including free agent signings Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. It’s going to take a big performance by Asiasi to avoid being let go.