Munson demonstrated excellent closing speed during the first quarter by quickly penetrating the gap on a zone run. He then showcased his awareness by scooping up a deflected pass from Titans quarterback Malik Willis, resulting in an interception. Despite the competition for roster spots, Munson is likely to secure a place on the team or be considered as a top candidate for the practice squad.
2. Patriots Offensive Line Suffers Another Blow as Veteran G/T Riley Reiff Exits Game
The Patriots were already dealing with a long list of injuries among their offensive linemen, with five players unable to dress for the game. Additionally, rookie guard Atonio Mafi was unexpectedly absent. The situation worsened when Riley Reiff, a projected starter at right guard, left the game early due to a leg injury. Reiff has been exclusively practicing at right guard recently, allowing rookie Sidy Sow to gain experience at right tackle. The Patriots hope to have their optimal offensive line configuration with Reiff, Mike Onwenu, and Cole Strange returning from their respective injuries by Week 1.
Mafi, a fifth-round pick from UCLA, has shown progress during his first training camp and has the potential to adequately fill a starting role if necessary. Another young lineman, second-year guard Chasen Hines, is also making a strong case for a spot on the team. Hines possesses the ideal attributes for the team’s power run scheme and has displayed effective blocking on the move. Although he missed a block that led to initial pressure on a strip sack in the first quarter, Hines contributed to Kevin Harris’s touchdown run and made an impact on a screen play. If the Patriots face multiple absences on the interior offensive line, Hines could secure a spot on the roster.
3. Rookie WR Kayshon Boutte’s Roster Status – Locked or Uncertain?
The Patriots chose to rest their top five wide receivers and top two tight ends during Saturday night’s game. Among the wide receiver candidates, Kayshon Boutte was the only one who received any opportunities, although his playing time was limited to three offensive snaps. Boutte also had one kick return, resulting in a touchback. There are two possibilities for this strategy: the Patriots may have wanted to conceal Boutte’s abilities to prevent him from being claimed by another team if he is waived, or they are confident in his abilities and believe he has already proven himself. Based on recent performances, including his 42-yard touchdown in Green Bay and consistent improvement in practice, it is likely that Boutte has secured a spot on the roster due to his enormous potential.
4. Preseason Debut of Patriots’ Third-Round Pick Marte Mapu
Marte Mapu, who had been limited in practice due to a pectoral surgery earlier in the offseason, finally had the opportunity to play in a game on Friday night. Despite some imperfections, Mapu showcased his versatility, speed, and physicality during his 27 snaps. He played various positions along the defensive line, in the box, over the slot, and even took a snap as a wide corner on a tight end. He also spent 11 snaps at free safety.
Mapu was utilized in man coverage, flat/hook zones, robber/rat help, split-safety zones, and sub-package linebacker roles. His ability to adapt to different positions is impressive. Noteworthy moments for Mapu included a coverage stop in the red zone, where he displayed his acceleration and leverage to force an incomplete pass. However, Mapu’s excitement in his debut led to missed tackles due to overly forceful contact. Nevertheless, his physicality and speed were evident. Overall, it was a solid first performance for Mapu.
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