WEEK 1 · Thu 08/12 · 7:30 PM EDT
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New England Patriots
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The New England Patriots will open the 2021 preseason against the Washington Football Team and play in front of the Gillette Stadium fans for the first time since the 2019 postseason when they faced the Tennessee Titans in an AFC Wild Card Game on Jan. 4, 2020. The NFL did not play a preseason last year and the Patriots did not have fans in the stands in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Patriots will face Washington in the preseason for the 23rd time, tying the Philadelphia Eagles for the second-most frequent preseason opponent. The Patriots have faced the New York Giants 29. The Giants and Eagles are the Patriots other 2021 preseason opponents.
SERIES HISTORY
The New England Patriots and the Washington Football Team will meet for the 23rd time in the preseason, with New England holding a 14-8 advantage in the previous 22 contests. The 23rd meeting will tie the Philadelphia Eagles for the second-most preseason meetings. The only other teams the Patriots have faced more int he preseason is the 29 meetings with the New York Giants.
The Patriots 14 preseason victories over Washington are their highest total over any preseason opponent, with the Patriots 13 victories over-Philadelphia second.
The Patriots and Washington last played in a preseason game in the first game of the 2018 preseason when the Patriots prevailed with a 26-17 win at Gillette Stadium. This week's game will be Washington's third visit to Gillette stadium for a preseason game. New England beat Washington 41-0 in a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on Aug. 26, 2006 in addition to the 2018 win.
The Patriots and Washington have met in the regular season 11 times with Washington holding a 6-5 advantage. The Patriots beat Washington 33-7 at FedEx Field in the last regular season meeting on Oct. 6, 2019.
Patriots.com's Mike Dussault shares his players to watch ahead of the Patriots preseason matchup against the Washington Football Team.
Cam Newton, QB: How will Bill Belichick handle three preseason games and a quarterback competition? Tough to say, but let's assume both Newton and Jones see action. It will be the first thing fans and pundits want to see. For Newton, he finally gets a chance to work the kinks out in the preseason in front of a crowd where he can show the strides he's been able to make in a full offseason.
Mac Jones, QB: Jones has looked every bit the part of the player the scouts saw coming out of Alabama, showing pocket presence and throwing with anticipation and accuracy. Now, the rookie gets a chance to see a live opponent, an important first step in his development. The sooner Jones starts stacking this kind of experience the better. So far he's looked like he belongs as an NFL quarterback, but there are a lot of big steps coming in the next couple weeks.
N'Keal Harry, WR: Harry has put together a consistent camp, using his size and strength to come up with a collection of impressive downfield catches. After seeing limited preseason time as a rookie and no preseason in his second year, Harry has another chance to show his progress before things get real. It's a prime opportunity to continue to build his emerging confidence.
J.J. Taylor, RB: Taylor showed some dynamic potential in limited opportunities early in 2020. It was impressive he was even able to make the team as an undrafted rookie running back without any preseason action. Now, Taylor gets his chance to shine. He might be diminutive, but he runs hard and should produce some exciting highlights.
Josh Uche, LB: The Patriots defense looks ready to lean into their veterans but one young player who is definitely in the mix is Uche, who showed potential as a pass rusher during his rookie season. Uche has had some decisive pass rush wins in camp and should be fully unleashed to make plays in the preseason. That could help boost his development even further as he figures to play a role on defense this year.
Kristian Wilkerson, WR: One of the unsung standouts of camp, Wilkerson has been a consistent receiving threat, catching balls on a variety of different routes. He won't stay under the radar long, especially if he translates his camp production into the preseason. Mired in a tough competition, every rep counts for a player like Wilkerson.
Joejuan Williams, CB: With Stephon Gilmore out, the Patriots have limited depth at cornerback and it should present a sizable opportunity for Williams, who has had a solid camp making a few notable plays on the ball in coverage. His size continues to stand out and he should play a ton against the Football Team as one of the primary cornerbacks.
Montravius Adams, DT: A less-heralded free agency signing, Adams has seen plenty of action on defense this summer. He's locked in a tough competition with players like Carl Davis, Akeem Spence and Henry Anderson, but could stand out by providing a solid interior pass rush, a role the team needs to fill.
Michael Jackson, CB: Another cornerback looking to crack the lineup, Jackson had one of his best practices earlier this week, breaking up two passes. The roster opportunity is there if Jackson can take advantage of it. The team could really use him, Williams or Dee Virgin to step up.
Quinn Nordin, K: With Nick Folk missing recently, it looks like the undrafted rookie Nordin will take all the kicking opportunities in the preseason contest. He was perfect inside the stadium last week, nailing two 50-plus field goals and has been building some momentum. Now, against a live opponent, Nordin will be looking to continue his consistency.
MOST FREQUENT PRESEASON OPPONENTS
The Patriots and the Washington Football Team will meet for the 23rd time in the preseason to match the Philadelphia Eagles (23) for the second most frequent preseason contests, behind the 29 meetings between the Patriots and Giants.
QUICK HIT
New England's victory over Washington in 2011 was their first win in Washington, the only NFL city that the Patriots had never won on the road. The Patriots are now 2-2 in the nation's capital.
TALE OF THE TAPE
| 2020 REGULAR SEASON | NEW ENGLAND | WASHINGTON |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 7-9 | 7-9 |
| Divisional Standings | 3rd | 1st |
| Total Yards Gained | 5,236 | 5,076 |
| Total Offense (Rank) | 327.3 (27) | 317.3 (30) |
| Rush Offense | 146.6 (4) | 100.7 (26) |
| Pass Offense | 180.6 (30) | 180.6 (30) |
| Points Per Game | 20.4 (27) | 20.9 (25) |
| Total Yards Allowed | 5,660 | 4,873 |
| Total Defense (Rank) | 353.8 (15) | 304.6 (2) |
| Rush Defense | 131.4 (26) | 112.8 (13T) |
| Pass Defense | 222.3 (8) | 191.8 (2) |
| Points Allowed/Game | 22.1 (7) | 20.6 (4) |
| Possession Avg. | 28:58 | 29:55 |
| Sacks Allowed/Yards Lost | 37/234 | 50/331 |
| Sacks Made/Yards | 24/165 | 47/325 |
| Total Touchdowns Scored | 36 | 37 |
| Penalties Against/Yards | 62/534 | 87/697 |
| Punts/Avg. | 55/48.7 | 73/44.3 |
| Turnover Differential | +3 (13t) | -4 (23t) |
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TELEVISION: This week's game will be broadcast by the Patriots Preseason Television Network and can be seen in every New England state, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. The preseason network's flagship station is WBZ-TV CBS in Boston. Bob Socci provides the play-by-play and is joined by former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak in the broadcast booth. Former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich will provide sideline analysis along with WBZ's Steve Burton.
LOCAL RADIO: 98.5 The Sports Hub is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. A complete listing of the network's 35 stations can be found here. The television broadcast will be simulcast the game on the radio during the preseason.
PATRIOTS PRESEASON NETWORK
Massachusetts
- Boston, Mass. WBZ-TV Ch. 4
- Springfield, Mass. WWLP-TV Ch. 22
Connecticut
- Hartford, Conn. WCTX/WTNH-TV Ch. 8
Maine
- Portland, Maine WMTW-TV Ch. 8
- Bangor, Maine WVII-TV Ch. 7
New Hampshire
- Manchester, N.H. WMUR-TV Ch. 9
- Anchorage, Alaska KYUR-TV Ch. 13
- Fairbanks, Alaska KATN-TV Ch. 2
- Juneau, Alaska KJUD-TV Ch. 8
Rhode Island
- Providence, R.I. WPRI-TV Ch. 12
Vermont
- Burlington, Vt. WCAX-TV Ch. 3
Alaska
- Anchorage, Alaska KYUR-TV Ch. 13
- Fairbanks, Alaska KATN-TV Ch. 2
- Juneau, Alaska KJUD-TV Ch. 8
Hawaii
- Honolulu, Hawaii KFVE-TV Ch. 5
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