After several grueling months, the NFL is back this week with the start of the preseason. The Patriots don’t take to the field until a date with the Houston Texans on Thursday, Aug. 10, but that hasn’t stopped the fanbase from wondering how the exhibition slate will unfold.
While the preseason is relatively meaningless, it’s a chance for players to prove themselves. Whether it’s a fresh-faced rookie or a veteran on his last legs, it’s entertaining about watching these warriors fight for their jobs.
The Patriots need to have a strong showing this preseason after missing the playoffs twice in the last three years. Whether they rise to the occasion or not, here are three bold predictions for New England’s preseason.
Bold Patriots Preseason Predictions
1. Trace McSorley Doesn’t Survive Cut
The Patriots added to their quarterback depth this offseason by signing Trace McSorley to a one-year deal. However, just because he’s a fairly new acquisition doesn’t mean he’s impervious to being cut.
The truth is that the former 2019 sixth-rounder’s play doesn’t inspire much confidence. He made one start across six appearances with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, going 45-of-83 (54.2%) in the pocket for 412 passing yards and five interceptions and a 42.8 QB rating.
It isn’t even like the Patriots need McSorley to be anything more than a warm preseason body.
Behind starting QB Mac Jones, New England already has Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham. Zappe won both of his 2022 starts, proving his reliability, while Cunningham is a 24-year-old undrafted rookie who likely has more upside than McSorley at this point.
And if Bill Belichick is set on having at least one veteran QB presence, there’ll likely be better options out there once teams start making roster cuts.
Either way, don’t count on McSorley sticking on the roster much longer.
2. Demario Douglas Steals a Roster Spot
Expectations are typically low for sixth-round picks but that hasn’t stopped rookie wideout Demario Douglas from garnering some much-deserved attention.
Douglas has been one of the Patriots’ training camp standouts, using his speed and elusiveness to put defenders on notice. Training camp hype doesn’t always translate to on-field results, but there’s something special about Douglas if even well-respected veteran defenders like Jabrill Peppers can’t ignore what he’s been doing.
"Oh yeah, we noticed him."
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) July 31, 2023
Jabrill Peppers talks what he's seeing from rookie, Demario Douglas pic.twitter.com/luCLfsbkWe
Douglas, 22, is coming off his best performance with the Libert Flames. The diminutive pass-catcher set new career highs last fall when it came to receptions (79) and receiving yards (993) while also racking up six touchdowns.
He likely won’t have similar success in the NFL (at least not right away), but the Patriots need all the help they can get.
The passing attack was largely uninspiring in 2022, so adding a speedy threat like Douglas — along with offseason acquisition JuJu Smith-Schuster — to the mix would provide a boost.
I expect Belichick to give Douglas plenty of opportunities to succeed this preseason after the training camp he’s had. Don’t be shocked if he exceeds expectations again by playing himself onto the 53-man roster.
3. Nick Folk Loses Starting Job
Nick Folk is one of the longest-serving players in the NFL, having played for four teams since the 2007 season. He’s been with the Patriots full-time since 2020, however, his tenure could be coming to an end.
Folk’s 2022 campaign was a mixed bag, to say the least. On one hand, his 91.4% extra-point percentage (32-of-35) was his best mark since 2019 and he even hit four field goals from 50-plus yards.
On the other hand, Folk missed five FGs en route to finishing with an 86.5% field-goal percentage (32-of-37). His play also declined as the season progressed, highlighted by his succeeding on just 81.3% of field-goal attempts in his final eight games compared to a 90.5% success rate in the first nine.
Folk’s future became even more unclear when the Patriots used a fourth-round pick to select ex-Maryland kicker Chad Ryland in April. Considering how Ryland is 15 years younger and on a cheaper deal, New England is going to give the rookie a serious look.
Speaking of contracts, the final nail in Folk’s coffin could be that the Patriots will only carry $585,000 in dead cap if they cut him, per Spotrac. Unless the veteran kicker has a preseason to remember, saving nearly $2 million in cap might be too enticing for New England to pass up.