The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts played to a 13-13 preseason tie, offering a first look at roster depth, backup quarterback performance, and kicking struggles as the team navigated multiple injuries and training camp competitions.
Kicking Woes and Offensive Line Injuries Hit New England
Second-year kicker Andy Borregales endured a difficult outing after a strong training camp. While he connected on field goals from 40 and 52 yards, he missed badly from 55, missed from 56, and missed from 49 at the end of the game to win.
The offensive line also absorbed significant blows. Top interior backup Ben Brown sustained an injury in the first quarter, forcing an early exit to the locker room via the blue medical tent. Later in the contest, Andrew Rupcich was banged up, though he managed to remain on the sideline before receiving the all-clear afterward.
Amid those departures, depth tackles Marcus Bryant and Dametrious Crownover turned in encouraging performances. Bryant saw action early, while Crownover played late, providing a measure of stability for a position group facing immediate depth questions.
Quarterback Play and Running Back Competition Take Shape
Second-string quarterback Tommy DeVito earned the start under center and played the entire first half. While he flashed potential with completions to Kyle Williams, his downfield accuracy fluctuated.
Meanwhile, the battle for the third running back spot shifted dramatically. Terrell Jennings, the incumbent leader of the competition, was placed on season-ending injured reserve prior to kickoff. With undrafted rookie Myles Montgomery waived-injured and veterans JaMycal Hasty and Hassan Haskins added to the roster recently, the backup role narrowed into a contest between seventh-round selection Jam Miller and second-year back Lan Larison.
Larison logged 40 snaps, contributing heavily in the passing game with six catches for 38 yards alongside kickoff return duties. Miller carried the ball a team-high 14 times for 55 yards, showcasing traditional early-down power punctuated by a 15-yard rush to the edge.
Defensive Pressures and Roster Battles to Watch
Defensively, the pass rush showed signs of life. Edge defenders Jesse Luketa and Bradyn Swinson put pressure on Colts quarterbacks. Swinson generated a disruption that directly resulted in an interception by John Saunders Jr., while Luketa forced a pocket collapse that led to a sack by Joshua Farmer.
Saunders also enjoyed a solid evening in the secondary, helping anchor a safety group searching for reliable depth. Discipline remains an area for correction, however, as the offense accumulated five accepted penalties totaling 35 yards, including multiple ineligible man downfield infractions.
With head coach Mike Vrabel indicating patience following the preseason opener, the coaching staff faces critical evaluations regarding edge rotation, kicking consistency, and running back utilization before the regular season begins.
