6 Takeaways From Patriots' Preseason Draw With Colts

1. The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts played to a 13-13 tie in their preseason matchup at Gillette Stadium on Thursday. Despite the lack of star players for the home team, there was still plenty to learn from the contest.

2. Tommy DeVito played well after being named the starting quarterback for the night. Kindle Vildor impressed with an interception, and Andy Borregales missed three field goals, finishing 2-for-5 on his attempts.

3. Head coach Mike Vrabel insisted that the team should make field goals, regardless of the distances involved. The Patriots currently have backup long snapper Niko Lalos following an injury to Julian Ashby, but Borregales remains optimistic about his future.

4. New England's defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr had his first major role in the preseason, calling plays for the first time in three years. The team's aggressive use of pressure and blitz schemes led to four turnovers from Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard.

5. The Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels plans to utilize slants more frequently during the regular season, relying on the team's tall and muscular wide receivers like AJ Brown, Mack Hollins, and Kayshon Boutte. These players are expected to have a significant impact on the team's passing game.

6. Wide receiver competition is fierce, with AJ Brown, Mack Hollins, and Kayshon Boutte likely to be the primary targets. Backup options include Kobe Prentice, Tejhaun Palmer, and Nick DeGennaro. Additionally, third-string running back Jam Miller joined the roster, backed by Lan Larison, Hassan Haskins, and JaMycal Hasty. The team appears light at running back and tight end, so there may be room for seven wide receivers.