The New England Patriots opener their preseason slate with a 48-18 win over the Washington Commanders, giving Mike Vrabel a victory in his first game as head coach.

Quarterbacks Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs both scored touchdowns on scrambles, and the Patriots’ starting defense was stout against a Commanders offense that started Sam Hartman at quarterback. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism, running back Terrell Jennings and rookie Lan Larison got in the end zone in the second half.

The second-year quarterback did some good things, but there was one mistake that overshadowed it all. In the Patriots' opening drive, Maye was strip-sacked by Commanders defensive lineman Ricky Barber, with Washington defensive end Jacob Martin recovering.