What happened in the game tonight? Here’s everything I think you should know about the New England Patriots losing the preseason finale to the Tennessee Titans, 23-7.
– Mac Jones didn’t play. Instead, Bailey Zappe got the start before being pulled for Trace McSorley in the second quarter.
– Then things got weird. After halftime, Zappe actually came back into the game. He started the first drive of the third quarter by attempting a pass to Malik Cunningham. Then, four plays later, Cunningham came in at quarterback. Two plays later, Zappe came back in to finish the drive — and stayed in until the final minutes of the game.
– But wait, there’s more. Cunningham came in at quarterback in the last few minutes of the game.
– So, are the Patriots actually trying out at quarterback, or is this a scenario where they just have some run play packages? It’s really hard to tell at this point.
– It’s going to tough to find a spot for Cunningham on the 53-man roster. It may be harder to try and get him to the practice squad. There’s a good chance the rookie would be scooped up on waivers before that happens.
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– The Cunningham experiment has been hit-and-miss overall this preseason. Cunningham the quarterback has been fun as a dual-threat player. Cunningham the receiver remains a work in process. The rookie finally caught his first pass of the preseason on a quick screen — before being tackled for a loss. Cunningham’s blockers did him no favors.
– The Patriots had been 0-for-8 on passes thrown to Cunningham to that point. Clearly, they’re trying to get him reps. The results just haven’t been there.
– Zappe saw a lot of pressure behind a patchwork offensive line of LT Andrew Stueber, LG Chasen Hines, C Jake Andrews, RG Bill Murray, RT Sidy Sow. The Patriots need to sort out their depth there.
– Bill O’Brien was famous for being fiery on the sidelines during his first stint in New England. We saw a glimpse of that Friday night when the offensive coordinator was seen getting heated at Zappe after a drive in the second half.
– Zappe made some questionable decisions under pressure. In the first half, he tried reversing field on a scramble play — and got strip-sacked. In the second half, he held the ball too long and got stripped again.
– Meanwhile, McSorley didn’t get much of a chance tonight. He only attempted one pass.
– Well, it looks like we’ll have to wait until the regular season to see Ezekiel Elliott play. He was in uniform once again, but did not enter the game.
– Calvin Munson made maybe the play of the preseason, diving in to scoop up a pass that deflected off Titans receiver Josh Whyle’s hands.
– Patriots color commentator Zolak called the play “almost Franco Harris-esque,” comparing it to the Immaculate Reception. It also had shades of Julian Edelman’s famous catch from Super Bowl LI.
– Jack Jones played a lot in this one, which is unusual for players to are expected to be starters and roster locks. However, Jones’ uncertain future (and potential suspension for his offseason arrest) could mean the Patriots are trying to get him some extra reps in case he misses time.
– Third-round pick Marte Mapu made his anticipated debut. The linebacker/safety showed that he can fly around the field and that he can deliver some big bits. But he wasn’t on the field long. He left the game early along with other roster locks. It looks like there’s little question about him being a keeper.
– New England’s defense saw a lot of Malik Willis on the night. The front seven did a good job corraling him at times. However, the second-year quarterback also made some big-time plays, especially when he bought time with his feet. His biggest highlight was his 26-yard touchdown strike on the run at the start of the fourth quarter.
– On no, J.J. Taylor! The running back on the roster bubble made an alarming decision on a fourth-quarter punt return, opting to drift back from his own 5-yard line and field a punt three yards into the endzone. Instead of a touchback, the Patriots got the ball at the 3-yard line.
– Special teams coordinator Cam Achord was clearly displeased with the decision, showing his frustration on the sidelines.
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