FOXBOROUGH — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ 26-17 win over Washington on Thursday night in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Patriots started off slow, just like their camp: The tempo and intensity of Patriots training camp has, so far, been underwhelming — even compared to last year. And the first half against Washington was a continuation of that. The Patriots were outgained 259-44 until New England went 56 yards in the final 49 seconds of the half to get on the board at 17-3 with a field goal. That led to Bill Belichick saying, "Yeah, about 38 seconds of good football."
Much better tempo in the second half: The Patriots came out and appeared to move at a quicker pace in the second half, at least offensively. New England outgained Washington 108-17 in the third quarter. A few of the players remarked that the tempo was increased after halftime. The Patriots defense held the Redskins to 0-for-4 on third down in the second half.
Key veterans continue to get rest: Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were the offensive starters not to take part in the game. Devin McCourty was the only starter on defense not to play. The other starters not making appearances — RB Rex Burkhead, RT Marcus Cannon, WR Kenny Britt, DE Trey Flowers — have all been dealing with injuries and were expected to be out.
Brady is dealing with a sore back, according to The Boston Globe, and that would at least partially explain his light workload in camp.
THREE UP
RB Jeremy Hill: Displayed a well-rounded game in his Patriots debut as he rushed 11 times for 51 yards, caught two passes for 14 yards and did a nice job pass blocking. Also showed some toughness in short yardage — likely his main role — on the goal line with a TD.
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley: Little bit of a surprise to see him be the fourth linebacker into the game behind Elandon Roberts, Donta' Hightower and Kyle Van Noy (Christian Sam got more playing time and was more noticeable in camp to this point). But he certainly looked the part getting in on six tackles (two for a loss) and a quarterback knockdown.
WR Cordarrelle Patterson: Continued his strong camp with two catches for 38 yards, including this juggling reception where he used his body well to shield the defender and then displayed good concentration.
THREE DOWN
QB Brian Hoyer: Didn't exactly make anyone forget about Jimmy Garoppolo with his 6-of-12 first-half for 65 yards. He also took a coverage sack he should have avoided.
S Damarius Travis: Jordan Richards didn't cover himself in glory either, but Travis missed a tackle on a play that led to a Redskins touchdown, and then overpursued in coverage and gave up a passing touchdown.
INJURIES
S Jordan Richards (head): Was hit high and from behind
TOP PLAYS
Strip sack by Trent Harris that is nearly returned for a touchdown by Geneo Grissom — and would have been if Ryan Lewis didn't prematurely celebrate instead of blocking. "I definitely got a little premature with all that," Lewis said. "I just can't be doing that. I saw him out of the corner of my eye and I need to be there next time. I definitely owe (Grissom) an apology, for sure."
TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
Time to end Club Med: The Patriots' training camp has been way too easy to this point and the number of practices only start dwindling now that the games have started (the three days around games are usually off or easy). And the slow pace carried over for the many starters who played in this game. After how they performed in the first half, you can bet that Belichick will start ramping up the pace and intensity. Time to get into football mode.
Elandon Roberts has competition at MLB in Ja'Whaun Bentley: Been a slow camp for Bentley in the early going, but he looked like a player in this game. It was the kind of performance that usually earns a young player more reps with the starters in practice.