Commanders vs. Patriots: 2025 Preseason Recap & Rivalry at a Glance
The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots may not share a storied rivalry, but their 2025 preseason clash delivered a compelling preview of both teams’ direction under fresh leadership.
Preseason Recap: Patriots Crush Commanders 48–18
In Week 1 of the 2025 preseason, the Patriots opened their Mike Vrabel era with a dominant 48–18 victory at Gillette Stadium.
Key highlights included:
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A stunning 100-yard kickoff return touchdown by rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson, electrifying the crowd right after the unveiling of Tom Brady’s bronze statue.
(Pats Pulpit, Boston.com, ESPN.com) -
Strong performances from quarterbacks Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs, and Ben Wooldridge, contributing with rushing and passing TDs.
(Pats Pulpit, Patriots, Reuters) -
Patriots’ young talent like Efton Chism III and Jordan Polk stood out, adding the spark that defined the offensive and defensive energy of the evening.
(Pats Pulpit, Reuters, Patriots)
Meanwhile, the Commanders fielded many backups, including rookie QB Jayden Daniels only during practice sessions that week. Their inexperience showed in a sloppy performance marked by 13 penalties and multiple special teams breakdowns.
(The Washington Post, Hogs Haven)
All-Time Series Snapshot
Historically, the Commanders lead the all-time series 7–5 over the Patriots, a close margin reflecting the sporadic intensity of their matchups.
(StatMuse, Football DB)
Their rivalry spans just over a dozen meetings, making each encounter—preseason or otherwise—an opportunity to build momentum and fan intrigue.
(Football DB, AiScore)
Why This Game Matters
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New Coaching Eras On Display – Both teams debuted new leadership: the Patriots under Vrabel and the Commanders preparing under Dan Quinn.
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Roster Depth Test – The Patriots showcased depth and rookie readiness, while Washington’s weaker mix highlighted depth concerns.
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Early Indicators of Strategy & Culture – The Commanders’ penalties and lack of separation among WRs show value in offseason improvements.
(The Washington Post, Hogs Haven, Patriots)
Match Summary Table
| Team | Result | Standout Moments |
|---|---|---|
| Patriots | Win 48–18 | Henderson 100-yd kickoff TD, multiple QB TD contributions |
| Commanders | Loss | Sloppy execution, rookie flashes, but illustrations of depth issues |
Final Thoughts
The Commanders vs. Patriots preseason game served a clear message: New England is building with energy and depth, while Washington must address cohesion, discipline, and offense balance before Week 1.
This matchup may not headline the regular season, but it offered a glimpse into each team’s trajectory—and the stakes that lie ahead.
