The Patriots saw mixed results in their two days of joint practices with the Vikings this week, and now the two teams are set to compete in the preseason Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. The Patriots won the day (if that’s possible in joint practice) on Wednesday but were outmatched on offense and defense Thursday.
The Patriots saw mixed results in their two days of joint practices with the Vikings this week, and now the two teams are set to compete in the preseason Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
The Patriots won the day (if that’s possible in joint practice) on Wednesday but were outmatched on offense and defense Thursday.
Since starters received so much work in the two joint practice session, be prepared to watch players fighting for jobs on the roster bubble play the majority of Saturday’s game.
Here are players to watch in a rare Patriots afternoon preseason game.QB BEN WOOLDRIDGE
The undrafted quarterback out of Louisiana didn’t see any reps during joint practices with the Vikings, but he impressed in last week’s preseason debut against the Commanders, completing 9-of-12 passes for 132 yards with a touchdown.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about the Patriots’ backup quarterback situation Friday and whether there’s any competition between Wooldridge and Joshua Dobbs.
Dobbs threw two interceptions Wednesday but was one of the Patriots’ better players during Thursday’s practice.
“Yeah, I mean, I think Josh is the backup right now. Not that that couldn’t change,” Vrabel said. “You know, Ben’s working hard, and we’ll see. We’re always trying to strengthen the roster each and every day, but Josh is in there.
“Josh just has to be more consistent. Had an unfortunate interception in two-minute drill and throwing it into robber, and ball placement has to be better, and just the timing and all these things that we work on. So, he’s getting the same looks that Drake’s getting, and it’s not easy, but that’s not an excuse. I’m not using that as an excuse.
