The Las Vegas Raiders will host the New England Patriots on Friday night in the final preseason game for both teams. These two franchises are also scheduled to hold two days of joint practices before this game. Both teams went 10-7 during the 2021 regular season and dropped their opening playoff games.
Bill Belichick has a 10-2 preseason record since 2018 after his Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers 20-10 last week. The Patriots did play their top three quarterbacks in that game, while Carolina decided to sit both Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.
After sitting out in the first preseason game, the team's top quarterback Mac Jones went 4 for 8 for 61 yards to start the game. 36-year-old veteran Brian Hoyer went 2 for 3 for 30 yards, and rookie fourth-round pick from Western Kentucky, Bailey Zappe went 16 for 25 for 173 yards and an interception.
Mac Jones Live Press Conference 8/24: https://t.co/vGh2n8DtSK
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 24, 2022
Lil' Jordan Humphrey, who spent the last three seasons in a reserve role with the Saints, caught five passes for a team-high 71 yards. The running game for New England picked up 126 yards on 25 carries in against the Panthers. J.J Taylor, a 5'6 third-year back, led the way with 33 yards on six carries.
Friday's contest will be the third preseason game for New England. They also played the Giants and lost 23-21 on Thursday, August 11.