Six Biggest Questions Facing Patriots Entering Preseason Finale

The New England Patriots wrap up their preseason slate with a contest against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.

“This game, we say it doesn’t count, but it matters,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters, per a team-provided video. “I think there are still a few positions where it’s a battle. We’ve been talking about competition all year, and that’s still my message right now.”

Here are six of the biggest questions facing the Patriots entering their preseason finale:

Will Jacoby Brissett cement himself as the starter or back into it?
Jerod Mayo and company have said the quarterback competition remains open, but it certainly feels like Brissett will be behind center in Week 1. It’s been that way all summer. While rookie Drake Maye did see an uptick in practice reps behind the starting offensive line this week, it feels like too little, too late. With that said, Brissett can inspire some confidence with a strong outing in the finale. On the other hand, if Brissett throws another red-zone interception like in New England’s second preseason game and Maye impresses like he did against the Eagles, well, it will make for a fun few weeks for sports talk radio.

How will the new offensive line group look?
The injury-related absence of Vederian Lowe, who started at left tackle during much of the summer, forced New England to make some changes this week. The starting unit consisted of, from left to right, Chukwuma Okorafor, Sidy Sow, David Andrews, Layden Robinson and Mike Onwenu. It marked Robinson’s first go-round with the starters and got Okorafor back at left tackle and Onwenu on the right edge. Mayo called the group’s practice performance “encouraging,” and a strong outing against Washington could mean it’s the starting group entering the regular season.

Who will stand out in battle for sixth receiver spot?
Tyquan Thornton has performed well with the starting offense and has transitioned from a wideout on the bubble to a roster lock. Thornton joins DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn and Javon Baker as roster locks. The competition for a sixth receiver — Kendrick Bourne likely will start the season on the physically unable to perform list — now figures to be Jalen Reagor or Kayshon Boutte.

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Which depth cornerbacks emerge from the pack?
It’s arguably New England’s deepest position group, with roster locks Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones. Marco Wilson and Alex Austin might have their spots secured, too. Meanwhile, Isaiah Bolden, Shaun Wade and sixth-round rookie Marcellas Dial seem to be competing for the final few spots in that group. An impactful performance against the Commanders could go a long way as Eliot Wolf and Mayo trim down the roster by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Can Jaheim Bell continue late push to become third tight end?
The seventh-round rookie has contributed in recent practices after missing some time. “He’s one of those guys that has a unique skill set. He can run with the ball in his hands, and we just have to do a good job getting it to him,” Mayo said of Bell. The Patriots have a question mark at their third tight end spot behind the injured Hunter Henry and veteran Austin Hooper. Mitchell Wilcox, another competing with Bell for the third spot, has missed practice time and allowed Jacob Warren and Bell some extra snaps. If the Patriots view Bell on the same level as the non-rookies, they almost certainly will go with youth.

Will Joey Slye take stranglehold on kicker position?
The veteran Slye has the edge entering the preseason finale. It feels like his job to lose at this point, given he’s gone 3-for-3 in preseason games and has shown better in practices. Should Slye put together another such performance in Washington, he almost certainly will beat out the 2023 fourth-round pick.