It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium, but the New England Patriots were undeterred as they prepared to carve out another chapter in their storied franchise. Excitement is brewing as Head Coach Jerod Mayo is set to make his long-anticipated debut alongside starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett when the Patriots face off against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.
Brissett, commanding the offense, got an early taste of what’s to come as he took snaps during the team’s practice. Flanking Brissett is a trio of additional quarterbacks ready to showcase their talents: Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III. Coach Mayo confirmed that all four quarterbacks will see playing time against Carolina. "The plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina," Mayo said, highlighting the strategic depth at the position.
A Rough Practice for Maye
Drake Maye had a challenging session during a two-minute drill where missed passes and an interception marred his performance. Nonetheless, the young quarterback has been working on fine-tuning his game, particularly focusing on getting the ball out quicker. These growing pains are part of the process, and the Patriots' coaching staff remains hopeful about his development. Meanwhile, Bailey Zappe and Joe Milton III look to make their marks as well, eager to seize any opportunity to impress in the pre-season.
Judon Sidelined
Linebacker Matthew Judon exited the practice early after stretches and returned in street clothes, signaling his non-participation in the session. When questioned about his limited involvement, Judon simply stated, "I didn't say nothing about practice." This statement contrasts with Coach Mayo's earlier comments where he indicated that Judon would be in pads practicing. The situation surrounding Judon's practice participation remains fluid, but his leadership and presence on the sideline are invaluable to the team.
Offensive Line Configurations
As Coach Mayo looks to finalize his lineup, the offensive line combinations during Tuesday's practice were notably varied. The first offensive line group featured Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Calvin Anderson. The second group included Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Atonio Mafi, and Zuri Henry. Each group is vying for a spot in the starting lineup, with Mayo aiming to establish his starting offensive lineup by the second preseason game. "Mayo previously said he wants to know who'll be in his starting offensive line by the second preseason game," reported sources indicate, signaling the urgency and importance of these next few practices.
Injury Concerns
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne missed the start of practice and remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. His absence is a concern for the Patriots' offense, which values his contributions on the field. Bourne's recovery and return will be pivotal for the team's offensive aspirations as they progress through the pre-season.
Despite the rainy weather and a few setbacks, the Patriots are pushing forward with determination. The comprehensive assessment of their talent and strategic planning are clear indicators that the team is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of success this season. As the pre-season games approach, all eyes will be on Coach Mayo, Brissett, and the array of promising athletes looking to make a significant impact.