How the Patriots will use their players in the NFL preseason finale against the Commanders

Traditionally, the preseason finale was reserved for players on the roster who were given one last chance to show what they could offer a team. The 2024 New England Patriots will take a different approach under new head coach Jerod Mayo.

As Mayo told reporters before the Patriots’ training camp on Monday, the plan is for every available player to be on the field on Sunday against the Washington Commanders.

“Anyone who’s healthy is going to play,” Mayo said. “I’m not sure what Washington is going to do, but it really doesn’t matter. It’s what we need to do. It’s what we need as a team.”

The Patriots have played two preseason games so far and have not shied away from using some of their most valuable players on both sides of the ball. It remains to be seen to what extent that will continue on Sunday, but it would not be a surprise if regulars like Christian Gonzalez, David Andrews or DeMario Douglas play a few series again.

The same goes for the two top quarterbacks, Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. Since the two are apparently still actively competing for the starting position, the game against the Commanders could be another indicator of who will serve as QB1 at the start of the regular season.

For Mayo, the competitive factor is not the only reason he plans to field his entire squad – with a few exceptions – in the final friendly. He also sees it as simply another opportunity for his team to improve.

“For me, playing football is the only way to get better at football,” he said Monday. “We can run around here in shorts or run out here in full gear and not tackle and then come to the game and it looks like crap. I think it’s important to get that live action and build our conditioning.”

The Patriots’ final preseason game in Washington begins on Sunday, August 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET.