Nashville, Tenn - After a week of joint practices with the Tennessee Titans, the Patriots played in Nashville for preseason game number two on Saturday night. Though there were many solid performances in the first preseason game against the Lions, there are still some unanswered questions on the roster, particularly at tight end, wide receiver, and left tackle. The Patriots don't have all the answers, but after the second game of the preseason, the Patriots are one week closer.
Stock Up
1. Isaiah Wynn - After appearing limited in the early weeks of training camp, this week, Wynn's workload during joint practices with the Titans increased. The second-year OL got the start at left tackle in preseason game number two, and he was impressive. Wynn particularly stood out in the red zone to start the second quarter as he led the way for Brandon Bolden to get into the end zone for a touchdown. Wynn played the entire first quarter and was replaced by a combination of Dan Skipper and Cole Croston halfway through the second quarter. He played a total of 19 snaps.
2. Damien Harris - The third round draft pick out of Alabama has had an impressive camp so far, but he did not see game action last week in Detroit. Against the Titans, he got the start and rushed for 80 yards on 14 carries. His performance lived up to what he's shown in camp.
3. Chase Winovich - The rookie was putting pressure on the quarterback all night and was quite active coming off the left defensive edge. He finished the night with three solo tackles and two tackles for loss. The rookie also had four combined tackles and a sack. He displayed a variety of moves and tremendous amount of effort and speed.
4. Jarrett Stidham - Another impressive night for the rookie quarterback. He showed resilience as he helped the offense bounce back from a safety that was caused by Lance Kendricks holding in the end zone. To start the second half, he marched the offense down the field on a 10-play drive for 81 yards that ended in a Nick Brossette touchdown. Stidham finished the night 14-of-19 for 193 yards.
Stock Down
1. Injuries - During the first quarter both Derek Rivers and Shilique Calhoun went down on the field with apparent right leg injuries. After spending time in the blue medical tent, Rivers headed to the Patriots locker room with the team's medical staff. He did not return for the remainder of the game. Once Calhoun exited the tent, he was spotted riding the exercise bike. He did not leave the field, but never returned to game action. Both have both played well this summer and looked like strong contenders for roster spots.
2. Penalties - The Patriots committed nine penalties in the first half for 69 yards. One penalty that particularly stood out was in the second quarter when Lance Kendricks was called for holding in the end zone that led to a safety. On the next play of the game, the Patriots defense was called for having 12 men on the field.
3. Hjalte Froholdt - It was a down night for Froholdt who got the start at right guard in tonight's game. Overall, the right side of the line was weak with Dan Skipper and Froholdt playing on that side for much of the night. Froholdt was called twice for holding in the 4th quarter. As the Patriots offensive line searches for depth, the coaching staff needs clean, reliable options as backups.
