FOXBORO – Football finally kicked off in Gillette Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 13, when the New England Patriots tied the Indianapolis Colts 13-13 in both teams’ first preseason matchup.
Here are three takeaways from the game.
Defense picks up where it left off
The NFL’s fourth-ranked defense last year played like there wasn’t an offseason, forcing four turnovers and recording a sack against the Colts.
Three of the turnovers came in the first half. On the Colts’ first drive, former fourth-overall pick quarterback Anthony Richardson threw into double coverage and was intercepted by cornerback Kindle Vildor.
The other two first-half turnovers came from fumbles on back-to-back drives in the second quarter. Of the three total first-half turnovers, the Patriots were able to put together one scoring drive.
The fourth Colts’ turnover was from quarterback Riley Leonard on the opening drive of the second half, who threw an interception to John Saunders Jr.
“I think the defense was humming around making plays,” linebacker Gabe Jacas said. “Obviously, we got some turnovers, so that’s pretty huge. A lot of guys feed off that, so that’s what you’re seeing.”
Last year’s defense ranked tied for 19th in total turnovers with 19 last season, so four turnovers in the first preseason game may be a sign of better things to come.
Injuries show Patriots' weak points
Prior to Thursday’s game, the team announced that running backs Myles Montgomery and Terrell Jennings Jr. were placed on the injured reserve list. The team signed running backs JaMycal Hasty, who played for the Patriots in 2023 and 2024, and Hassan Haskins to fill Montgomery and Jennings’s roster spots.
These injuries now opened the door for running backs Lan Larrison and Jam Miller to compete alongside Hasty and Haskins for the No. 3 running back spot.
So, how did each player do?
Miller got the majority of the carries with 14 total for 55 yards. Miller was the lead back on the team’s first offensive drive, accumulating four carries and 15 yards. For the rest of the game until the fourth quarter, Miller would come in for first and second down, but would be subbed out for Larison on third downs.
“I feel like every team has a battle; everybody is battling from starting quarterback to starting running back — everybody is just competing,” Miller said. “Like I said, everybody is cool, everybody is friends, but at the end of the day, I’m pretty sure everyone knows that this is a business. For me, I’m just trying to earn a spot on this team.”
Larison’s role is clearly viewed by head coach Mike Vrabel and his coaching staff as James White-esque. Larison was used primarily as a receiving back on third downs, but did get some rushing attempts in as well. Larison finished with seven rushes for one yard, but led the team in receptions with six for 38 yards.
Haskins and Hasty both saw five carries each and rushed for 15 and 11 yards, respectively. The pair had, expectedly, very limited roles as they continue to learn the offense and fight to stay on the roster as the No. 3 running back.
The injury misfortune wouldn’t end there for the Patriots as center Ben Brown and right guard Andrew Rupcich both left the game with injuries. Rupcich was able to walk off the field under his own power, but Brown had to be helped off the field before eventually being taken to the locker room.
“No, [Brown] wasn't able to return unfortunately,” Vrabel said. “We'll evaluate, hopefully know more in the morning. I don't think it's anything too serious, but I also don't want to speculate until we're able to do some more tests.”
In a position group already thin in depth, these are two major injuries that will continue to be monitored.
Special teams was limited, but also concerning
An underrated position battle during training camp has been the fight for the starting kick returner spot. As many as eight players returned kicks during drills, but no one from the group stood out during the game. The Patriots caught only four kickoffs, with three being returned. Channing Canada, Larrison and wide receiver Nick DeGennaro returned one each for an average of around 25 yards.
“[I’m] just trying to earn a role and earn respect from my team,” Canada said. “That’s all it is. So, I feel like this is a step towards that."
Kicker Andy Borregales did stand out in Thursday’s game, just not in the way he would’ve liked.
Borregales went two-for-five on field goal attempts, including missing a 49-yard potential game-winner wide left. Borregales missed from 49, 55 and 56 yards, which was surprising considering that he was a perfect four-for-four from 50 or more yards out last season, including one from 59 yards out.
Vrabel declined to say if he would bring in another kicker to provide competition for Borregales.
The next Patriots preseason game is on Saturday, Aug. 22 against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium at 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Three takeaways from Patriots' first preseason game