Winners and Losers: Patriots vs. Redskins Preseason Week 1

Each week, FPC Patriots’ own, Jared Talbot, outlines the winners and losers from the New England Patriots’ latest contest. This week, he tackles the Pats preseason tilt with the Washington Redskins.

Winners:

Jeremy Hill:

An almost given winner from last night’s preseason game, Hill was everywhere last night. He finished his night with 11 rushes for 55 yards to go along with two receptions for 14 yards. In the original projected depth chart, Hill was listed as a third string running back and a roster bubble guy but if he continues to produce and impress the way he did last night he will find himself on the week 1 roster with opportunities to produce.

Ralph Webb:

Undrafted out of Vanderbilt, Webb was able to produce two touchdowns and a successful 2-point conversion. Granted a lot of his production came in garbage time but regardless, it was good to see the undrafted rookie produce.

Derek Rivers:

Rivers is in his second year however he was unable to play last year due to his tearing of his ACL in training camp, but he registered the start over Trey Flowers who was a scratch from the game. Rivers has always shown promise and a healthy season out of him may pay dividends towards this offense. He rushed the quarterback several times and will be looked at to contribute in his “Ben Simmons rookie year.”

Veteran health:

The Patriots didn’t play a multitude of starters including Flowers, Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Eric Decker and more. This will go a long way as they continue to prepare for week 1 even if the fans didn’t approve.

Losers:

Starting defenders:

Stephon Gilmore is a guy who the Patriots will heavily rely on this year to be a lockdown cornerback however he was unable to register too many good defensive downs. He let up a 20-yard gain and looked lost at times. Perhaps it is just rust though. Kyle Van Noy is also a guy who will be relied on to be a near everyday defender. He believes the defense is better than given credit for, but they didn’t look too good last night. Improvement will be necessary.

Mike Gillislee:

He averaged just three yards a carry on the same night that saw Jeremy Hill and Ralph Webb have two very solid nights and he along with Sony Michel are both losers for that reason in the sense that they were outshined. Michel obviously was injured but not being able to prove himself does not help his cause.

Regardless it sure is good to have football back and now with the preseason in full swing we can now be a little be more excited every day. Onwards and upwards.

-Jared Talbot is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage Sports Media and covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @JaredTalbot17