Ferentz made the grade against Chiefs in first career start at center

New England Patriots offensive linemen James Ferentz (66) and Ted Karras (75) provides block protection for quarterback Jarrett Stidham, left rear, as Carolina Panthers defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. (91) rushes the line in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

By RICH THOMPSON | richard.thompson@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald

PUBLISHED: December 9, 2019 at 5:22 pm | UPDATED: December 9, 2019 at 5:54 pm

James Ferentz made a “competitive” showing in his first NFL start at center in Sunday’s 23-16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick made that observation during his Monday morning conference call at Gillette Stadium.

Ferentz was flanked by veteran guards Joe Thuney and Shaq Mason and lined up opposite Chiefs’ tackles Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi, both of whom produced marginal numbers. Jones had three tackles with a sack while Nnadi netted two tackles.

“James has done a good job for us,” said Belichick. “Glad we have James, he stepped in there and gave us a game and a half of very competitive play.”

Ferentz, a 6-2, 300-pound, journeyman began training camp as a practice squad interior lineman behind incumbent center David Andrews and back-up Ted Karras.

Andrews was put on injured reserved in the preseason with blood clots in his lungs. Karras started 12 straight games before going down with a knee injury early in the third quarter in Patriots 28-22 loss to the Houston Texans on Dec. 1. Ferentz replaced Karras and finished the game.