On August 8, 2025, the New England Patriots kicked off their 2025 NFL preseason with a commanding 48-18 victory over the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. The game, which marked the 25th preseason meeting between the two teams, showcased standout performances, particularly from Patriots’ rookies, and highlighted the Commanders’ struggles with their backup-heavy roster. Below is a comprehensive recap of the match, key player stats, and insights, optimized from verified sources.
Key Match Details
- Sport: American Football
- League: NFL (National Football League) – Preseason
- Match Type: Preseason Game
- Date: August 8, 2025
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Matchup: New England Patriots vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats
- Winner: New England Patriots
- Final Score: Patriots 48, Commanders 18
- Preseason Meeting Number: 25th preseason matchup between the two teams
- Notable Ceremony: 12-foot bronze Tom Brady statue unveiled at Gillette Stadium
- Patriots Head Coach: Mike Vrabel
- Patriots Offensive Coordinator: Josh McDaniels
- Commanders Head Coach: Dan Quinn
Game Overview: Patriots Dominate in Preseason Opener
The Patriots set the tone early with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown by rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, igniting the home crowd on a night that also featured the unveiling of a 12-foot bronze statue of Tom Brady. New England’s new-look offense, led by head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, showed promise despite facing a Commanders squad that rested 30 key players, including starters like quarterback Jayden Daniels and receiver Deebo Samuel. The Commanders, coming off a 12-5 season and an NFC Championship appearance in 2024, struggled with penalties and miscues, finishing with 15 penalties for 98 yards.
Final Score: Patriots 48, Commanders 18
Key Moments of the Game
- Explosive Start: TreVeyon Henderson, a second-round pick from Ohio State, opened the game with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown, exploiting a gap in Washington’s coverage unit. This set the stage for New England’s dominance.
- Patriots’ Offensive Fireworks: Despite limited action, quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes of potential, scoring a 5-yard touchdown run but also fumbling on a strip-sack by Commanders’ defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton. Backup quarterback Josh Dobbs contributed a 2-yard touchdown run, set up by a 62-yard punt return from Antonio Gibson.
- Commanders’ Struggles: With starters like Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Terry McLaurin sidelined, Washington’s offense leaned on quarterback Sam Hartman and later Josh Johnson. Hartman threw an interception to Patriots’ DJ James, while Johnson led two touchdown drives, including a 71-yard drive capped by a Jeremy McNichols touchdown run.
- Special Teams Highlights: New England’s special teams shone, with Henderson’s kickoff return and Gibson’s punt return. Kicker Romo also nailed a 57-yard field goal, strengthening his case in the kicking competition. Washington’s special teams, however, faltered, allowing 187 yards on three kickoff returns.
- Injuries and Penalties: Commanders’ cornerback Bobby Price left in the first half after a head injury, and defensive tackle Viliami Fehoko exited with a lower-body issue. Patriots’ wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk visited the medical tent after a run. Washington’s 15 penalties, including a facemask and holding calls, hindered their momentum.
Player Stats: Standout Performances
New England Patriots
- TreVeyon Henderson (RB):
- 100-yard kickoff return touchdown
- 18-yard rush, 3 receptions for 12 yards
- Impact: Henderson’s explosive plays on special teams and offense highlighted his potential as a dynamic weapon.
- Drake Maye (QB):
- Completed 3 of 5 passes for 12 yards
- 5-yard touchdown run, 17-yard scramble
- 1 fumble (strip-sack by Jer’Zhan Newton)
- Impact: Maye showed mobility but needs to improve ball security.
- Josh Dobbs (QB):
- 2-yard touchdown run
- Completed passes to Efton Chism III (8 yards, 6 yards) and others
- Impact: Dobbs was efficient in limited action, capitalizing on a short field.
- Antonio Gibson (RB):
- 62-yard punt return, setting up a touchdown
- 3-yard rush, 2-yard rush
- Impact: Gibson’s special teams contribution was pivotal.
- DJ James (CB):
- Intercepted a pass from Sam Hartman
- Impact: James bolstered his case for a roster spot with a strong defensive play.
- Romo (K):
- Made a 57-yard field goal
- Impact: Strengthened his position in the kicking competition against Borregales.
- Ben Wooldridge (QB):
- 12-yard touchdown pass to Efton Chism III
- Impact: Wooldridge’s late-game contribution helped seal the blowout.
- Lan Larison (RB):
- 2-yard touchdown run
- Multiple carries inside the red zone
- Impact: Larison’s late score padded New England’s lead.
Washington Commanders
- Sam Hartman (QB):
- Threw an interception to DJ James
- Led a 50-yard drive, setting up a 37-yard field goal by Matt Gay
- Impact: Hartman struggled to find rhythm against New England’s defense.
- Josh Johnson (QB):
- Completed a 33-yard pass to Lawrence Cager
- Led 71-yard and 83-yard touchdown drives
- Threw an interception to Jordan Polk
- Impact: Johnson showed flashes but was inconsistent.
- Jeremy McNichols (RB):
- Scored a touchdown on a short run
- 14-yard reception
- Impact: McNichols provided a spark on Washington’s best drive.
- Jer’Zhan Newton (DT):
- Forced a strip-sack on Drake Maye, recovered by Jacob Martin
- Impact: Newton was a bright spot on defense, showcasing his disruptive potential.
- Josh Conerly (OL):
- Played 21 snaps, no sacks allowed
- Key blocks on a 5-yard run by Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Impact: Conerly’s solid performance in pass protection and run blocking boosted his case for a starting role.
- Matt Gay (K):
- Made a 37-yard field goal
- Missed a 49-yard field goal
- Impact: Gay’s miss was costly, reflecting Washington’s special teams woes.
Team Stats Breakdown
- Total Yards:
- Patriots: 156 rushing yards on 31 carries; passing stats not fully detailed but efficient in short fields.
- Commanders: Struggled early, with only 4 yards on their first two drives; 71- and 83-yard drives were their highlights.
- Penalties:
- Commanders: 15 penalties for 98 yards, including holding, facemask, and unnecessary roughness.
- Patriots: Fewer penalties, with offensive holding noted on one play.
- Turnovers:
- Patriots: 1 fumble (Maye)
- Commanders: 2 interceptions (Hartman, Johnson)
- Special Teams:
- Patriots: 187 yards allowed on three Commanders’ kickoff returns; 62-yard punt return by Gibson.
- Commanders: Allowed 187 yards on three returns, including Henderson’s 100-yard touchdown.
Analysis: What We Learned
Patriots’ Takeaways
The Patriots’ performance was a promising start to the 2025 preseason, with rookies like TreVeyon Henderson and veterans like Antonio Gibson stealing the show. Drake Maye’s mobility and decision-making, despite the fumble, suggest he could thrive under Vrabel and McDaniels. The special teams unit, bolstered by Henderson and Gibson, looks like a strength. However, Maye’s ball security and the offensive line’s ability to protect against pressure (e.g., Newton’s strip-sack) need refinement.
Commanders’ Takeaways
Washington’s decision to rest 30 players, including key starters, limited their competitiveness, as noted by head coach Dan Quinn, who called the performance “sloppy.” Penalties and special teams lapses were glaring issues, with 98 penalty yards and 187 kickoff return yards allowed. Rookies like Josh Conerly and Jer’Zhan Newton showed potential, but the offense struggled without its top playmakers. Quinn emphasized the need for cleaner play as the team prepares for their regular-season opener against the New York Giants.
Looking Ahead
- Patriots: New England heads to Minnesota on August 16 for their next preseason game, aiming to build on this momentum. Henderson’s emergence and Maye’s development will be key storylines.
- Commanders: Washington hosts the Cincinnati Bengals on August 18, hoping to integrate starters and reduce penalties. Quinn will likely focus on improving special teams and offensive cohesion.
Why This Game Matters
This preseason opener offered a glimpse into both teams’ futures. For the Patriots, it was a chance to showcase a revamped offense and dynamic rookies. For the Commanders, it highlighted areas for growth, particularly with their depth players and special teams. As both teams gear up for the regular season, these early performances will shape roster decisions and strategies.
