The Patriots played their third and final preseason game on Sunday night, a 22-20 win against the Giants. Before they head into the regular season, here are five players that stood out on Sunday:
Josh Uche
Uche has had a strong training camp and capped it off by a recording a sack on the Giants first drive of the night. Rookie Christian Barmore pushed the pocket and Uche took advantage to bring down Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones. Uche looks poised to take a big step forward from 2020.
Ja’Whaun Bentley
The biggest concern with Bentley’s play since he came to New England in 2018 has been his difficulty in space. He has improved that this preseason and had a nice open field tackle in the first quarter and looked solid in coverage. He finished with two tackles total and played alongside Dont’a Hightower with the first unit linebackers. Bentley will never be great in space, but if he can at least be serviceable then he’ll carve out a role in a loaded Patriots linebacking corps.
D’Angelo Ross
Ross got playing time early in the game and made the most of his time with the Patriots top unit. One of the biggest plays in the game was Ross’ interception in the end zone off an errant pass from Daniel Jones. Ross did not get beat in coverage and the third-year player appears to have secured a roster spot.
J.J. Taylor
Taylor ran hard and showed off his versatility. He had 9 carries for 96 yards, 2 catches for 13 yards, 3 punt returns for 28 yards and one kick return for 23 yards. Taylor is one of the chief beneficiaries of the Sony Michel trade; that move coupled with Taylor’s play looks to have secured Taylor a role in the Patriots crowded running back corps.
Devin Asiasi
Asiasi had his best game as a Patriot on Sunday night. He was playing mostly against the Giants second unit, but he made a great adjustment on a 30-yard catch and 4 catches for 64 yards overall. New England will be led by Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith at tight end, but Asiasi will have an opportunity to contribute as the third option.