The New England Patriots marked the beginning of the Mike Vrabel era by dominating the Washington Commanders 48-18 in their preseason debut at Gillette Stadium on August 9. Stefon Diggs’ presence was a highlight, further amplified by a supportive message from his girlfriend, Cardi B, ahead of the game.
Just hours before the matchup started, Cardi B posted a confident message on X, declaring, “Fk it, we ball,” alongside a photo of herself with Diggs, setting an energetic tone for the night. The game itself saw the Patriots score in every quarter, showcasing their offensive strength early in the preseason.
Patriots’ Key Performers and Game Highlights
Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson electrified the crowd by opening the scoring with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown, followed by an 18-yard rushing touchdown. Freshman quarterback Drake Maye contributed with a five-yard rushing touchdown, completing three passes for 12 yards, although he also had one fumble during the game.
Josh Dobbs played a major role in facilitating multiple scoring drives, including a two-yard rushing touchdown. Antonio Gibson’s sharp 62-yard punt return created favorable field position that led to another Patriots touchdown. Wide receiver Efton Chism III caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback B. Wooldridge, rounding out the scoring highlights for the Patriots.
The Commanders, who rested 30 key players such as Jayden Daniels and Deebo Samuel, experienced struggles on offense. Quarterback Sam Hartman threw an interception and recorded only 64 passing yards. His replacement, Josh Johnson, performed better in the second half, completing 15 of 22 passes for 173 yards, throwing one touchdown, and one interception.
Patriots Honor Legend Tom Brady with Statue Reveal
Before the game began, the Patriots paid tribute to their iconic quarterback Tom Brady by unveiling a 12-foot bronze statue outside Gillette Stadium. This game marked a milestone as the Patriots scored more than 40 points for the first time in over three years, signaling a promising start to the season.
Stefon Diggs’ Lavish Gift to Cardi B
Off the field, Stefon Diggs showcased his generosity with a remarkable gift for Cardi B—a $73,000 gold Patek Philippe Nautilus watch. The luxurious timepiece features 56 diamonds surrounding the face, rose gold casing, sapphire crystal case back, and a patented fold-over clasp.
“This is a Patek Philippe. My boo boo got it for me at London Jewelers,” Cardi B revealed on TikTok. —Cardi B, Rapper
Cardi initially believed Diggs was shopping for himself until he surprised her with the extravagant watch. Their relationship became public in May 2025 after they were seen attending a Knicks playoff game together and sharing photos from a yacht in Miami.
Looking Ahead for the Patriots and Stefon Diggs
The Patriots’ commanding performance in this preseason opener underlines their potential in the upcoming season, with Stefon Diggs playing a significant role both on and off the field. The partnership between Diggs and Cardi B continues to draw attention, combining sports and entertainment in a way that excites fans. As the regular season approaches, the Patriots aim to build on this strong foundation, while the Tom Brady statue serves as a reminder of the franchise’s storied history and its hopeful future.