Patriots football is back the Washington Football Team travels to New England! Gillette Stadium will have fans back tonight for the first time in 585 days which will be a special moment for all in attendance.
Here are 10 Patriots you should keep an eye on tonight!
1. QB #10 Mac Jones
Of course, this will be the main focus tonight, the first time that we’ve had the chance to see Mac Jones in a legitimate game scenario. Reports earlier today confirmed the game would be split between Mac and Cam, so at least we know we’ll see the first-round pick in action.
Really, I just want to see Mac get it out fast, make some completions, and show that he can move the offense. I don’t care if he doesn’t get any touchdowns, I’d just like to see some good fundamentals tonight.
Washington will be playing their starters for some of the game, so Mac will get a chance to be tested by a good defensive front, with the likes of Chase Young bearing down.
He’ll also be wearing his college number 10 jersey, as confirmed today by the team. Sorry Jimmy G.
2. WR #15 N’Keal Harry
After the whole trade request debacle, Harry will be wanting to continue to help his own stock rise following a string of good practices at camp. Harry is in his third season with the team and has yet to show any signs of being a first-round talent.
Either the team wants to keep him, or they want to trade him. Regardless, I think he’ll be getting some good snaps tonight. I want to see him use his size and strength when targeted, redzone dominance, run after the catch, the stuff we’ve been hoping we’d see more of.
He really has to flash tonight and across the next few games, and because of that, you should keep an eye on number 15 all night.
3. DT #70 Christian Barmore
There was, without doubt, a buzz when the Barmore pick was announced on Draft night back in April. The top-rated defensive tackle has shown glimpses of his pass-rushing power so far in camp, tonight he’ll get a chance to go full kilt against an NFL offensive line.
I’m not sure exactly what role he will play in the defense this season, but, if he can show the ability to bring pressure on the opposing QB, he’ll get some good time on the field this season I’m sure.
4. CB #41 Myles Bryant
The second-year UDFA CB has a chance to impress tonight and over the new few games as he tries to earn a roster spot.
Bryant featured periodically last season, his most noteworthy contribution was his first career interception against the Rams in Week 14. With Gilmore still absent, J.C. Jackson and Jon Jones locks for the roster already, expect to see Bryant involved throughout tonight.
5. DE #51 Ronnie Perkins
Heresssssssssssssssssssssss Ronnie.
Ronnie Perkins should be another Rookie you should have your eyes on against Washington. Pass-rush tried to compensate for the lack of run-stopping play last year, here’s hoping Perkins can develop into a deadly edge-rusher.
Perkins hasn’t blown anyone away so far in camp by reports, but tonight we’ll get a first real look at what he may be able to offer the team in the early part of the season, and what that role may be.
6. RB #38 Rhamondre Stevenson
With Sony Michel and Damien Harris already having experience in the league, they may feature with a light amount of carries but expect the rookie Stevenson to get a workout along with J.J. Taylor.
Stevenson has been tipped by some as a “Blount-like” player, with power and a smashmouth style of running the ball, let’s see if we see some of that tonight.
7. TE #88 Troy Fumagalli
With Hunter Henry injured, and Jonnu Smith a lock for the roster, Troy Fumagalli will have a great opportunity to make a case for himself to be on the 53-man roster by the end of camp.
He has good size for a tight end and has shown his ability to catch well during camp so far. The team could experiment with different formations of multiple TE’s on the field, so Fumagalli could be used a bunch tonight, along with Devin Asiasi, Matt Lacrosse, and David Wells.
8. WR #17 Kristian Wilkerson
Wilkerson has been a name that keeps coming up from the camp reports so far this off-season. Along with being targeted a bunch by the quarterbacks in training, he’s been doing work with the special team’s coaches, along with veterans Matthew Slater and Justin Bethel.
Wilkerson’s way onto the roster is by his special team’s work, look out for him tonight on both offensive and specialist duty.
9. LB #58 Anfernee Jennings
The second-year linebacker will be involved plenty tonight as the veteran players such as Dont’a Hightower and Matt Judon will likely watch from the sidelines/ have limited reps.
I have hope for Jennings to be a real part of the defense this year, along with his fellow second-year backer Josh Uche, they’ll be a fun tandem to watch against Washington for sure.
10. K #3 Quinn Nordin
After a glamorous outing in Gillette Stadium last week, Quinn Nordin, the UDFA out of Michigan has a chance to edge out Nick Folk as the team’s kicker, starting tonight.
He went 11/11 in the team scrimmage last week in his first outing on the home field, he’ll handle all of the team placekicking duties tonight, barring kickoffs.
