The Patriots had several players make their debuts in New England uniforms and in some cases their professional debuts in Sunday’s 25-20 loss to the Eagles at Gillette Stadium.
Here are some of the notable performances for first-time Patriots:
Ezekiel Elliott – Elliott had seven carries for 29 yards and five catches for 14 yards. But his first-quarter fumble was an especially damaging blow. It came on the first play from scrimmage after the Eagles had scored on a pick-six and gave Philadelphia the ball just outside the red zone.
Five plays later the Eagles were in the end zone again leaving the Patriots in a 16-0 hole.
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Elliott, who signed with New England during training camp, had a reputation as a player who rarely ever fumbles. Including three playoff games with the Cowboys, Elliott had gone 26 games, most as Dallas’ featured back, without fumbling dating back to Nov. 14, 2021.
The Patriots spent most of the game playing from behind, partially as a result of his fumble and had 54 passes vs. 22 carries so it’s hard to draw too large a conclusion of how they might distribute running back reps going forward between Rhamondre Stevenson, Elliott and others.
JuJu Smith-Schuster – The former Chiefs receiver had four catches for 33 yards. A low, but seemingly catchable pass from Mac Jones went through his hands late in the second quarter forcing the Patriots to punt near midfield. He was notably not on the field for the final drive when Belichick opened for rookies Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas. Belichick downplayed that decision.
“We had different groups, different rotations, so we’re good with whoever is in there,” he said.
Mike Gesicki – The former Dolphins tight end had three catches for 36 yards. He was the second receiving option among the tight ends behind Hunter Henry.
Demario Douglas — The Patriots’ sixth-round pick from Liberty had four catches for 40 yards in his NFL debut.
Kayshon Boutte — The Patriots’ rookie receiver was almost a hero as his fourth-down reception was initially ruled a catch and a clock-stopping first down in the fourth quarter that would have set the Patriots up for a shot at a game-winning touchdown. But replay pulled the plug on the would-be celebration as it showed he didn’t get both feet down.
He wasn’t credited with any catches on four targets.
Christian Gonzalez — The Patriots’ first-round pick at cornerback made his presence felt with seven tackles in his NFL debut. He had a sack and a pass breakup.
Marte Mapu — The versatile rookie had three tackles.
Keion White — The rookie defensive end was credited with one pass defense and earned praise for his physical play.
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