Our weekly “following the flags” feature drew a lot of attention last season, so we decided to bring it back this year. Through the preseason, the Patriots were flagged for 22 penalties for 233 yards. Here’s a look on how things broke down, not including penalties that were declined or offset:

Most penalized players, listed by total flags and with total yardage lost:
OT Marcus Cannon: three penalties (two false starts, offensive holding), 20 yards
*S Tavon Wilson: two penalties (two pass interference), 63 yards
OT Nate Solder: two penalties (two offensive holding), 20 yards
Team: two penalties (encroachment, offensive holding), 15 yards
CB Sterling Moore: two penalties (two defensive holding), 10 yards
OL Donald Thomas: one penalty (personal foul), 15 yards
DE Jake Bequette: one penalty (roughing the passer), 15 yards
OL Dan Connolly: one penalty (chop block), 15 yards
LB Jerod Mayo: one penalty (facemask), 15 yards
CB Marquice Cole: one penalty (illegal block above the waist), 10 yards
DL Brandon Deaderick, one penalty (defensive offsides), 5 yards
WR Jesse Holley: one penalty (false start), 5 yards
RB Jeff Demps: one penalty (false start), 5 yards
CB Malcolm Williams: one penalty (offensive holding — special teams), 10 yards
DL Marcus Harrison: one penalty (neutral zone infraction), 5 yards
OL Dustin Waldron: one penalty (false start), 5 yards

Most penalized by position:
Offensive line: Eight penalties for 75 yards
Cornerback: Four penalties for 30 yards
Defensive line: Three penalties for 25 yards
Safety: Two penalties for 63 yards
Team: Two penalties for 15 yards
Wide receiver: One penalty for 5 yards
Running back: One penalty for 5 yards
Linebacker: One penalty for 5 yards

Most frequently called penalties on the Patriots:
Offensive holding: Five
False start: Five
Defensive pass interference: Two
Defensive holding: Two
Illegal block above the waist: One
Personal foul: One
Roughing the passer: One
Defensive offsides: One
Encroachment: One
Facemask: One
Chop block: One
Neutral zone infraction: One

(*In the preseason opener, Wilson was called for a 46-yard pass interference penalty, but a closer look at the film reveals that it was Sterling Moore who should have been called for the infraction.)