South Charlotte Today

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A look inside the numbers from Thursday's 17-3 loss at New England.

Veteran tight end Jordan Matthews recorded three receptions for 48 yards, averaging 16.0 yards per reception. This marks his best output since Week 6 of the 2018 regular season when he had four receptions for 93 yards with the Philadelphia Eagles. It is also his best performance since switching positions from wide receiver to tight end in 2021. Matthews has caught the attention of coaches during training camp, providing leadership and perspective to a young group.

Coach Dave Canales highlighted the nine penalties for 61 yards as a significant concern post-game. He expressed dissatisfaction with some pre-snap penalties that need addressing when regular players are on the field.

Safety Alex Cook started and made five tackles, including one on special teams. Cook, who joined from the Giants practice squad last year and started two games, has impressed with his understanding of the defense amid a crowded safety position.

Offensive linemen Brady Christensen, Chandler Zavala, and Ricky Lee played every snap out of necessity. Christensen deserves particular credit for starting all 17 games in 2022 before suffering a season-ending injury in last year's opener.

Jonathan Mingo was the only offensive starter to play Thursday night according to the depth chart; he participated in just 11 snaps, recording one catch and a drop before being sidelined for the rest of the game.

With Jaden Crumedy's ankle injury during the game, other defensive linemen had to cover full shifts. T.J. Smith built on a solid camp by playing two-thirds of the snaps as he competes for a roster spot upfront. Most potential starters or regular rotational players like Dane Jackson, DJ Johnson, and K'Lavon Chaisson played about a third or fewer snaps.

Rookie Harrison Mevis handled all kicking duties with two kickoffs and a successful 41-yard field goal after Eddy Piñeiro took charge in the first half but had no further role since New England kicked off to start the game.

The preseason allows extensive player rotations but also reveals trusted agents for special teams coordinator Tracy Smith. Linebacker Chandler Wooten led in special teams snaps followed by Dicaprio Bootle and Jammie Robinson as they work to fill gaps left by safety Sam Franklin Jr.'s injury.