The Patriots' first preseason game is in the books, and it looked like an emphatic win for the home team. But was it? Not really. The Patriots beat up on the Commanders' scrubs (30 players were not dressed) just like they "beat" the Bills' third-stringers last season. That cost them the 2025 first overall pick in the draft, much to the delight of the guffawing Bills. These wins are what they are: meaningless.
What does matter is evaluating the Patriots players and their individual performances. These games and joint practices are the only way to prepare against other NFL teams.