For the first time since a playoff loss on January 4, 2020 in the last game for Tom Brady as part of the team, the New England Patriots played in front of fans at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night. The Pats officially opened up game play for the 2021-22 campaign by beating the Washington Football Team in preseason 22-13.
Rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson from Oklahoma stole the show rushing 10 times for 127 yards and two touchdowns for New England. First round draft pick quarterback Mac Jones out of Alabama also impressed going 13-19 for 87 yards in his first professional action. Cam Newton (4-7, 49 yards), and Brian Hoyer (2-4, 14 yards) also saw some time at QB. Receiver Kristian Wilkerson, who was the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in college at Southeast Missouri State before being released off the Tennessee Titans practice squad on September 5, 2020 caught six balls for 39 yards in the win. Former New York Jets linebacker Harvey Langi had nine total tackles for the defense. Rookie kicker Quinn Nordin (University of Michigan) hit 3-3 on field goals, including a 50 yarder and was 1-2 on extra points.
New England will play at Philadelphia next Thursday and then in New York against the Giants on August 29 to finish out the preseason. The season opener is set for September 12 when the Miami Dolphins invade Gillette Stadium for a week 1 AFC East clash.
