The Patriots got a win against the Washington Commanders 48-18 in their first preseason game. Yet, Patriot Nation should temper its enthusiasm. Many of Washington's key players, including their best, Jayden Daniels, sat out the tilt.
The game can be used to evaluate the Patriots' own players, though. At least it was against NFL competition, even if it was watered down. A few personnel decisions by Mike Vrabel could be key to how successful a season he'll have.
Vrabel has done a marvelous offseason job reconstructing a terrible roster into a competitive one. His six years as an NFL head coach led to his identifying and securing good players.