Figuring that New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel sticks to the script and gives the starters a true game experience in next Thursday night’s exhibition finale at Cleveland, Saturday night was a giant moment for a handful of guys attempting to make the team.
Here’s a quick look at four Patriots who improved their chances dramatically in Saturday night’s 24-21 preseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Hassan Haskins
Signed off the street just over a week ago, Haskins ran hard on his four carries, picking up 16 yards.
He was reliable in brief pass-blocking stints and looked like he fit — in the first half when backup QB Tommy DeVito was on the field.
It was also interesting that Haskins played in the kick-return game, adding to his value as a potential No. 3 running back.
“I always did special teams, even in college. I did kick return in the league for a while, so I’m confident in doing whatever the coaches need me to do,” said Haskins.
“Whatever the coaches need me to do, I’m going to do it. Special teams, win a ball, block, whatever. I’m going to give it my all and just do whatever it takes to win.”
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Behren Morton
The rookie QB went off in the second half against the Eagles’ third-teamers, including the late game-winning drive.
Morton completed 13 of 17 passes for 129 yards and the 37-yard game-winner to Nick DeGennaro late in the fourth.
“It goes back to all the hard work that we’ve put in through the spring when we got here, summer, and then obviously training camp,” said the seventh-round pick out of Texas Tech. “To go out there and do it, being well-prepared from coach (Josh) McDaniels, for the offense, that was big for us tonight. But there’s a lot to correct from today that we can get a lot better from.”
He also punted three times at a 44.3 yard per boot clip.
The work on offense certainly gives the Patriots something to think about when it comes to that initial 53-man roster cutdown.
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Namdi Obiazor
The sixth-round rookie linebacker had almost been overlooked through camp when it comes to a roster spot.
He opened a few eyes in the second half, though, with a pair of solo tackles and a pass breakup in man coverage in the end zone.
Obiazor might still be behind guys like Chad Muma and K.J. Britt when it comes to a reserve spot, but he closed the gap a bit on Saturday night.
Efton Chism
Like Morton, the receiver made a nice little proposal for his value for one of the last couple of roster openings.
He caught all four balls thrown his way for 45 yards — all in the first half with the Philly semi-regulars on the field.
