FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and the NFL:
1. High five: The Patriots didn't play the majority of their starters in the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts (a 13-13 tie), so there weren't many seismic revelations about the team. It was mostly a game about developing depth and getting a first look at rookies.
With this in mind, here are five players whose performances appear to have them ascending -- or at least worthy of closer evaluation in their quest to earn a role on the team:
LB K.J. Britt
When the six-year veteran was signed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract in March, the projection was that he was likely to fill the void created by Jack Gibbens' free agent departure to Arizona. That role is as a top backup and core special teamer, but Britt seemed to be overtaken by Chad Muma and undrafted rookie Khalil Jacobs before what could represent a turnaround for Britt on Thursday.
The 6-foot, 240-pound Britt started, had a tackle behind the line of scrimmage that showcased his ability to play downhill with force, and then followed it up on the next play by chasing down quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and forcing a fumble, which Patriots teammate Isaiah Iton recovered. Britt played 14 defensive snaps and five on special teams.
"K.J. showed up with a veteran presence, physical presence, trying to help us on special teams and add versatility [by] trying to play both positions inside," coach Mike Vrabel said, referencing middle and weakside linebacker. "I have appreciated how he approached the offseason and now he's been given a chance to compete."
RB Jam Miller
The seventh-round pick from Alabama seemed more likely to wind up on the practice squad when training camp began, but his chances of making the roster improved after the Patriots placed leading RB3 candidate Terrell Jennings on injured reserve before Thursday's game.
The 5-foot-10, 209-pound Miller started and played 22 snaps, totaling 55 yards on 14 carries (3.9 yards per carry) with some hard-charging running that included converting one short-yardage fourth-down rushing attempt behind first-round rookie right tackle Caleb Lomu.
"I felt like he ran with his pads down and had a couple physical runs, and was happy for him," coach Mike Vrabel said. "This is a great evaluation. We can start to figure out guys that can and start to figure out guys that can't, too."
Miller providing more special teams impact could help solidify his standing. Newly signed running back Hassan Haskins steamrolled his assignment on his initial snap on kickoff coverage -- the type of play that typically catches the attention of coaches.
One lingering question is whether the Patriots will keep three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, or just two, with the third layer of depth coming from the practice squad.
Morton totaled 30 snaps, all in the second half. The playcalling was mostly conservative (a lot of slants) as he finished 7-of-13 for 66 yards. Morton wasn't overwhelmed on the final drive -- ball on the 27-yard line with 1:10 left -- in helping get the Patriots in position for a 49-yard field goal attempt that could have won the game with two completions (while aided by a questionable unnecessary roughness penalty). It was a reflection that the moment wasn't too big for him.
"Trying to prove a point to be on this team," Morton said. "I think if you show you know what you are doing, that [earns] respect from the veterans."
Edge Bradyn Swinson
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Swinson played behind starters Gabe Jacas and 2026 seventh-round pick Quintayvious Hutchins, so his most extensive work didn't come until the second half. His power rush contributed to pressuring quarterback Riley Leonard on a pass intercepted by John Saunders Jr., and Swinson later had a batted pass on fourth down, which essentially caused another turnover.
Swinson played 38 snaps, the third-highest total among defenders, with three tackles and one quarterback hit. He is in the mix for a roster spot behind starters Dre'Mont Jones, Harold Landry III (currently on PUP), Elijah Ponder and Jacas.
The 2025 third-round pick showcased his route-running acumen with what television announcers (and former Patriots) Devin and Jason McCourty referred to as a "killer crossover" move on his 12-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Tommy DeVito. Williams later had a crisp comeback route for a 25-yard gain.
It wasn't all perfect. Williams was penalized for offensive pass interference by blocking too early on a quick pass, and he didn't come back for another deep pass that could have drawn a defensive pass interference penalty. That led to immediate on-field coaching from Vrabel.
But overall, Williams' potential was on display, which included him playing gunner on the punt coverage team -- an opportunity to showcase his speed in what could be a tiebreaker for a spot on the game-day roster in a crowded receiver room.
Asked what areas Williams can focus on after Thursday's game, Vrabel noted his confidence and being more of a presence inside the numbers and on intermediate routes.
2. Response needed: In contrast to the five aforementioned players, here are three who will likely be looking to shake off some rust:
S Mike Brown: He was initially projected as a top backup behind Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson, but now Dell Pettus could have the inside track for the role. He was shaken at the top of one route for an 18-yard gain to set up the Colts' first touchdown.
OL James Hudson III: He is a career tackle who might be out of his comfort level at guard, but the Patriots are thin on depth there and would ideally be able to turn to him if needed. Hudson gave up multiple pressures, including one that led to a sack of DeVito.
LB Chad Muma: He has been the top backup behind starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, but among his hiccups was overrunning a play in the flat late in the second quarter.
3. Gonzalez contract: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez posted a congratulatory Instagram message to Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon on Saturday for agreeing to a four-year, $132 million contract extension. The deal provides a framework for Gonzalez's possible extension in New England. ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that the sides "have not made much progress so far".
Gonzalez, meanwhile, has remained out of practice since Tuesday after appearing to injure his ankle while defending receiver Romeo Doubs on a touchdown pass.
4. Doubs coming on: With three tightly contested touchdown receptions in Saturday's practice -- the final one he tossed high in the air in celebration -- Doubs continued to build momentum. He had some of his best practices last week.
"I think just new offense, new year, figuring out the player, getting to know him. Really, a lot of positive things, trending in the right direction," Vrabel said of Doubs while also noting the work of receivers coach Todd Downing.
"Todd is very conscientious about each one of his players, what each of them needs to learn the offense, where they need to be, what routes are going to be really good for them and the decisions that they need to make. I think he found where Rome can really help us -- be big, fast and aggressive."
5. Eagles week: This might be the Patriots' most important week of the preseason, highlighted by two practices with the Eagles on Wednesday and Thursday, then a home game against them Saturday. After a full-pads session that featured a lot of red zone work Saturday, the team is scheduled to have lower-tempo workouts Sunday and Tuesday, sandwiched around a higher-intensity practice Monday.
"It's a grind; we're deep into camp now. We're in it," running back Rhamondre Stevenson said of the stretch of six straight days of work.
6. Crowd buzz: Preseason games often don't create much buzz late in the fourth quarter, but the energy inside Gillette Stadium on Thursday was appreciated by Vrabel, who went out of his way to salute it.
"It was impressive, and it just kept building. The section kept growing and growing and growing. It was full tarps off. They were having a great time," he said on sports radio WEEI. "Appreciate the support from everybody that came out. It was a great night. Wish we would have played a little cleaner, but sometimes, those things happen early."
7. They said it: "Rome saw Coach Mazzulla out here, and he was trying to play basketball and dunk on people." -- cornerback Kindle Vildor, on Doubs' three-TD day on three contested catches in the end zone, the same day Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was in attendance
8. Wallace follow-up: The Patriots lost two of their top backup guards to injuries in the preseason opener. Vrabel said Ben Brown is likely to miss the remainder of the preseason, and Andrew Rupcich was placed on IR on Saturday. That comes after trading third-unit guard Caedan Wallace and a 2029 seventh-round pick to the Dolphins for a 2028 sixth-rounder.
So the depth is stretched thin, which is one reason Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said his team targeted Wallace -- to build Miami's depth with a prospect the Dolphins rated highly coming out of the 2024 draft. Wallace can play guard and tackle, and he might benefit from a change of scenery.
9. Maye-Morton again: Fun nugget from the Patriots' preseason television broadcast that the fathers of quarterbacks Drake Maye and Morton -- Mark and James, respectively -- were briefly teammates at training camp with the Buccaneers in 1988. They were both undrafted free agents; Mark Maye a quarterback and James Morton a running back.
10. Did You Know: Before Thursday's preseason-opening 13-13 tie with the Colts, the Patriots had just one other tie in their preseason history -- 17-17 with the Raiders on Aug. 5, 1973. The Patriots have nine all-time ties in the regular season, with the last coming in October 1967 against the Chargers.