The New England Patriots took significant steps in the offseason to enhance their struggling offense, which was among the lowest-rated in the NFL last year. Their regular season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals provided an opportunity to observe the impact of these new acquisitions.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett led the charge, with three offseason signings prominently featured on the field for all 65 offensive snaps. In addition to Brissett, starting guards Michael Jordan, called up from the practice squad, and rookie Layden Robinson, selected in the fourth round, also played throughout the game. Wide receiver K.J. Osborn was on the field for a position-high 40 snaps, tying for the team lead with three receptions for 21 yards.
Another standout was Austin Hooper, who was acquired during the offseason. He played 36 snaps as the second tight end, alongside Hunter Henry, and contributed two receptions for 31 yards.
These five players formed the backbone of an offense that produced results in Week 1. Jordan may revert to a backup role once starter Sidy Sow recovers from an ankle injury, but overall, the offensive lineup is expected to remain relatively stable moving forward.
Below is a summary of the Patriots’ snap counts from their victory over the Bengals.
Offense
Total snaps: 65 | Time on the field: 32:57
– QB Jacoby Brissett* (65; 100%)
– LG Michael Jordan* (65; 100%)
– C David Andrews* (65; 100%)
– RG Layden Robinson* (65; 100%)
– RT Michael Onwenu* (65; 100%)
– TE Hunter Henry* (54; 83%)
– LT Vederian Lowe (53; 82%)
– RB Rhamondre Stevenson* (51; 78%)
– WR K.J. Osborn* (40; 62%)
– WR DeMario Douglas* (39; 60%)
– WR Tyquan Thornton* (38; 58%)
– TE Austin Hooper (36; 55%)
– WR Ja’Lynn Polk (35; 54%)
– OT/TE Caedan Wallace (18; 28%)
– RB Antonio Gibson (14; 22%)
– LT Chukwuma Okorafor* (12; 18%)
*denotes starter
Four additional offseason signings also contributed to the offense. Second-round rookie Ja’Lynn Polk provided depth at wide receiver with 35 snaps, while third-round pick Caedan Wallace participated as a jumbo tight end/sixth offensive lineman for 18 snaps. Antonio Gibson allowed lead running back Rhamondre Stevenson to rest, completing 14 snaps and recording seven carries for 18 yards.
Chukwuma Okorafor, another free-agent addition, started at left tackle but was replaced after 12 snaps by Vederian Lowe, who had been recovering from an abdominal injury. Lowe’s return quickly proved beneficial as he outperformed his predecessor.
The wide receiver lineup aligned as anticipated, with Osborn complementing DeMario Douglas and Tyquan Thornton, both of whom caught two passes each in their respective snaps.
Defense
Total snaps: 51 | Time on the field: 25:16
– S Kyle Dugger* (51; 100%)
– S Jabrill Peppers* (51; 100%)
– LB Ja’Whaun Bentley* (51; 100%)
– CB Christian Gonzalez* (51; 100%)
– DE/ED Keion White* (41; 80%)
– CB Marcus Jones* (41; 80%)
– LB/ED Jahlani Tavai* (37; 73%)
– DT Daniel Ekuale* (37; 73%)
– CB Jonathan Jones* (36; 71%)
– DT Davon Godchaux* (33; 65%)
– ED Anfernee Jennings* (28; 55%)
– S Jaylinn Hawkins (24; 47%)
– DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (23; 45%)
– CB Marco Wilson (15; 29%)
– ED Joshuah Uche (13; 25%)
– ED Oshane Ximines (11; 22%)
– DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (11; 22%)
– DT Trysten Hill (7; 14%)
*denotes starter
Defensively, four players remained on the field for all of the 51 snaps, namely safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers, linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, and cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Peppers’ availability was particularly noteworthy, as he had just aggravated a hip injury two days prior to the game.
Keion White’s strong performance included the third-highest percentage of snap counts in his career at 80%. Consequently, team captain Deatrich Wise Jr. saw fewer snaps, with only 23 as White took on a starting role.
To fill in for the absent Christian Barmore, who is out for a minimum of four weeks due to a non-football injury, Daniel Ekuale stepped up, leading defensive tackles with 37 snaps.
Special Teams
Total snaps: 21 | Time on the field: 1:47
A total of 12 players participated solely in special teams, marking a notable expansion in personnel usage compared to last season. Key players utilized in this phase included specialists and core special teamers, with significant contributions from Jaylinn Hawkins and Oshane Ximines, who also played on defense.
Did not play
WR Kayshon Boutte, QB Drake Maye
With Brissett confidently managing the game, there was no need for rookie quarterback Drake Maye to play, resulting in both him and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte remaining on the sidelines.
Inactive
WR Javon Baker, LB Curtis Jacobs, OT Demontrey Jacobs, DT Eric Johnson, QB Joe Milton (emergency QB), G Sidy Sow, OL Zachary Thomas
The Patriots listed their inactives without surprises. Starting left guard Sidy Sow was sidelined due to an ankle injury, while six other healthy players were not included in the game lineup. This included two draft picks—Javon Baker and Joe Milton—as well as four waiver acquisitions.