9 Patriots takeaways: Bill Belichick’s preseason finale was revealing

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks on the sideline in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)AP

The Patriots preseason finale in Nashville was a backup-fest.

After playing starters in the third preseason game last summer, Bill Belichick opted to rest just about all of his key players on Friday night. From Mac Jones to Trent Brown to Jalen Mills, there were a couple dozen spectators. As roster battles waged for the final bubble spots, there were still some things to learn, and Belichick’s decision was meaningful, too.

Here are nine takeaways from a 23-7 Titans win:

1. Belichick feels good about his team

It was telling that Belichick sat so many of his starters on Friday night.

It’d be one thing if it was just Jones getting the night off because of the offensive line issues, but with a bunch of key players resting on both sides of the ball, it feels like Belichick’s team showed him enough this summer. Despite very little game film from the starters, he’s comfortable with what he’s seen.

2. Lot of snaps for Jack Jones

Jack Jones saw a far heavier workload than most of his peers, and that could reflect the uncertainty surrounding his status entering the season; if the NFL decides to suspend Jones for the weapons charges being levied against him, it makes sense to get him more game reps now.

In extended action, the presumed starter didn’t play his best football. Jones was beat for a 30-yard reception, flagged for a 32-yard defensive pass interference, and victimized by a nasty stiff arm. He was throwing his weight around in the running game, which reflected the effort the second-year corner was playing with, but it wasn’t a strong showing overall.

3. Zappe struggles

An underwhelming summer for Bailey Zappe came to a similarly disappointing end in Tennessee. After being replaced by Trace McSorely in the second quarter, Zappe was reinserted into the game for more snaps in the second half and played into the fourth quarter. The second-year quarterback finished 8-of-15 for 57 yards and fumbled the ball three times. He also drew Bill O’Brien’s ire on the sideline in the third quarter.

Zappe was playing behind a patchwork offensive line — and that’s being kind — but really hasn’t made that hallmark second-year leap.

4. Munson makes a push

Of all the bubble players, linebacker Calvin Munson made the strongest case for a roster spot on Friday.

The veteran was all over the place in the first half, registering nine tackles — including one for a loss — and Munson snared a really athletic interception. With a role on special teams too, he could sneak onto the 53-man roster.

Elsewhere on the bubble, Kayshon Boutte had a very minimal (and early) workload, which could certainly indicate that he’s making the team.

5. Reiff gets banged up

As he transitions to guard, Riley Reiff was one of the lone tenured veterans playing, and the 34-year-old was injured in the second quarter. It appeared that Reiff got his leg rolled up on, and after limping to the blue medical tent, he headed to the locker room and did not return. It was another blow to an already thin offensive line.

6. Minimal QB for Cunningham

Malik Cunningham spent most of his evening at wide receiver once again. He was targeted four times and caught one pass, but it went for a negative gain.

Cunningham got under center for two snaps in the third quarter — a pair of keepers — and then quarterbacked a brief final drive of the fourth quarter, where the offense turned the ball over on downs in four plays. The yeoman’s work there went to Zappe.

7. Stueber’s pass pro creates problem

After allowing Mac Jones to get steamrolled in Green Bay, Andrew Stueber allowed another strip sack against the Titans. Edge rusher Denico Autry got past him to rip the ball from Zappe’s hands early in the first quarter, and later in the period, Stueber allowed another third-down sack to Rashad Weaver to end a drive. The pass protection was an issue.

8. Good sign for Gonzalez

The Patriots got some welcome news before the game even kicked off, as first-rounder Christian Gonzalez made the trip and was able to warm up normally following a hold-your-breath injury in Wednesday’s practice. After a rep in 11-on-11 drills, Gonzalez hopped off to the sideline on one foot and underwent a lengthy exam with team trainer Jim Whalen. However, he was in Nashville with his teammates and didn’t look any worse for wear as he trotted around the turf.

9. Perkins leaves it all on the field

Ahead of a snap late in the second quarter, Ronnie Perkins vomited all over the field. The ball was still snapped, and Perkins actually made the tackle on the play. When he jogged to the sideline, Jabrill Peppers was in stitches, ready to give his teammate a hard time. To be fair to Perkins, it was scorching in Tennessee — real feel was over 100 degrees — but that film is sure to make the projector in the next team meeting.

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