Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson wasted no time making an impact, returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown—an electric play that immediately put New England in the driver’s seat. Henderson, a second-round pick out of Ohio State, also contributed an 18-yard run on the ground, showcasing the dynamic potential that Patriots fans will be hoping to see throughout the season.
Quarterback Drake Maye added a 5-yard rushing touchdown and completed 3 of 5 passes for 12 yards during his brief appearance. While Maye showed poise, a strip-sack by Washington’s Jer’Zhan Newton led to a turnover, highlighting areas for growth as the preseason progresses. New England’s special teams unit continued to shine, with Antonio Gibson delivering a 62-yard punt return that set up a short touchdown run by backup quarterback Josh Dobbs.
On the other side, the Washington Commanders struggled to find momentum. With head coach Dan Quinn electing to rest 30 players—including starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and key defensive veterans such as Marcus Lattimore, Von Miller, and Bobby Wagner—the Commanders relied heavily on their backups. Quarterback Sam Hartman completed 9 of 19 passes for 64 yards and an interception, while Josh Johnson, who took over in the second half, finished 15 of 22 for 173 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
Despite the lopsided score, Washington did see promising moments from its rookie class. Offensive lineman Josh Conerly, cornerback Trey Amos, receiver Jaylin Lane, linebacker Kain Medrano, and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt all saw action, with Amos and Medrano registering early tackles. However, the Commanders’ understudies struggled with discipline, drawing 13 penalties for 98 yards compared to just two penalties against New England.
The Patriots dominated all three phases of the game. Their offense scored consistently, their special teams provided game-changing plays, and their defense capitalized on mistakes. Notably, New England’s scoring barrage came mostly against Washington’s reserves, a factor not lost on analysts and fans alike.
Historically, the Patriots have used the preseason to evaluate emerging talent and adjust their depth chart. The unveiling of a bronze statue of Tom Brady before kickoff provided an emotional backdrop and reminded fans of the franchise’s storied past. With a 1-0 start in preseason play, Vrabel’s squad appears focused and energized as they look to rebound from recent rebuilding years.
Looking ahead, the Patriots will travel to face the Minnesota Vikings on August 16, while the Commanders host the Cincinnati Bengals on August 18. For bettors and fans interested in preseason trends, New England’s offensive outburst may be worth monitoring, especially as Vrabel and McDaniels continue to experiment with their young roster.
For a complete breakdown of the game, including box scores and detailed stats, visit Patriots 48-18 Commanders (Aug 8, 2025) Game Recap and the official Commanders Gameday Blog.