For the most part, the Patriots had a successful preseason opener. They controlled the game for essentially the full 60 minutes, walking away with a 48-18 win over the visiting Commanders.

Yet it wasn't a great night for Drake Maye. The second-year quarterback with a world of expectations on his shoulders played just two series to start this game, and his opening drive ended in ugly fashion.

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Facing a third-and-7 after completing two short passes to his running back, Maye tried and failed to avoid pressure. While trying to throw the ball mid-sack, Maye ended up fumbling the football. The Commanders came away with the ball at the New England 30-yard line.

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