RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Patriots Uncover Encouraging Offensive Formula Without Drake Maye originally appeared on NESN .
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Drake Maye did not take a snap Saturday night, but the New England Patriots still found a way to create explosive plays through the air. That might have been the most encouraging offensive development from their 24-21 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton each threw a long touchdown to a young receiver. The two scoring plays covered a combined 106 yards and showed that New England’s reserve offense does not have to rely entirely on short throws and methodical drives.
The Patriots’ postgame press conferences offered additional insight into how those plays developed.
For a team evaluating its depth behind Maye and a veteran-heavy receiving group, the answers were promising.
Kyle Williams Shows His Defining Skill
Kyle Williams supplied the first major offensive highlight late in the second quarter. DeVito stepped up in the pocket and launched a deep pass down the middle of the field. Williams tracked it without breaking stride and raced into the end zone for a 69-yard touchdown.
LIVE: Patriots Postgame Press Conferences https://t.co/ZxqvBidCNw
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 23, 2026 The play briefly gave New England a 10-7 lead. Williams’ speed has never been a mystery. The Patriots selected him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft because of his ability to stretch defenses vertically.
He caught only 10 passes as a rookie, but those receptions produced 209 yards and three touchdowns. Williams averaged 20.9 yards per catch, showing that his limited opportunities frequently resulted in significant gains.
His challenge is becoming a more complete receiver.
Mike Vrabel said after Saturday’s game that the Patriots wanted to give Williams additional work because there are areas he still needs to improve. The coach also acknowledged the value of his explosiveness.
“I love his ability outside the numbers to be able to stretch the field,” Vrabel told reporters.
The touchdown against Philadelphia was the clearest example of that skill.
Behren Morton Trusts Nick DeGennaro
New England produced another deep touchdown during the fourth quarter. Facing a 21-17 deficit, Morton led the Patriots on an 11-play, 73-yard possession. The drive ended when he connected with undrafted receiver Nick DeGennaro for a 37-yard score.
Morton recognized Philadelphia’s coverage and placed the ball where only his receiver could make the play.
“Nick had a great release, avoided the corner,” Morton said, per the Patriots’ official transcript . “It looked like Cover 2, so I put it on a line where it was him or nobody.”
DeGennaro rewarded that trust by securing the catch and completing the decisive scoring play.
Morton finished 13-for-17 for 129 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. DeVito completed 12 of 16 passes for 195 yards and a score.
Together, New England’s backup quarterbacks completed 25 of 33 passes for 324 yards.
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Explosive Plays Could Shape Receiver Decisions
A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins appear positioned to hold major roles in New England’s offense. The competition behind them remains unsettled.
Williams offers proven vertical speed. DeGennaro is trying to win a job as an undrafted rookie. Efton Chism III continued his steady summer by catching four passes for 45 yards against Philadelphia.
The Patriots must decide which complementary skills they value most when roster cuts arrive. Saturday demonstrated why Williams and DeGennaro deserve serious consideration. An offense needs receivers capable of changing a game without requiring 10 targets.
New England scored 24 points despite resting Maye and most of its offensive starters. Its two touchdown passes traveled 69 and 37 yards.
Preseason success does not guarantee the same results against starting NFL defenses. It does reveal which traits can translate when an opportunity appears. Williams and DeGennaro each showed the ability to turn one opportunity into six points. That could make them difficult to leave off the roster.
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