What we learned from Patriots’ preseason tie with the Colts
Key Points:
- The New England Patriots' 2026 preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts ended in a 13-13 tie, with notable struggles from kicker Andy Borregales, who missed several key field goals despite earlier training camp success.
- Injuries to offensive linemen Ben Brown and Andrew Rupcich raised concerns about depth at a critical position, though backups Marcus Bryant and Dametrious Crownover showed promising performances.
- Second-string quarterback Tommy DeVito displayed inconsistency, mixing impressive plays with missed opportunities, while penalties on offense, particularly ineligible man downfield calls, hindered the team's progress.
- Defensive players Jesse Luketa, Bradyn Swinson, and John Saunders Jr. stood out with impactful plays, suggesting potential depth contributions, and wide receiver Cameron Dorner continued to impress despite limited targets.
- Running back depth remains competitive after Terrell Jennings was placed on injured reserve, with several players vying for the third-string spot, and the team now looks ahead to joint practices and a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, highlighting the upcoming "A.J. Brown Bowl" storyline.