It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots turned the page on another chapter in their storied franchise history. Notably marked by the highly-anticipated debut of Head Coach Jerod Mayo and starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots are gearing up for their Thursday night confrontation with the Carolina Panthers.
Brissett, tasked with leading the offense, has already started taking significant reps during team practice sessions, getting a glimpse of the challenge and opportunity ahead. His presence is pivotal as he commands the offensive line, preparing for game scenarios during practice.
A Quartet of Quarterbacks
Flanking Brissett in the quarterback rotation are Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III. Each QB is eager to demonstrate their prowess on the field. However, during a crucial two-minute drill, Drake Maye struggled with several missed passes and an interception tarnishing his performance. Despite this, Head Coach Jerod Mayo confirmed that "The plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina."
Mayo's strategy aims to give each quarterback an opportunity to showcase their abilities against the Panthers, making the pre-season games a critical assessment period.
Challenges on the Field
However, the preparations were not without their setbacks. Linebacker Matthew Judon exited practice early and was later spotted in street clothes, indicating no participation in the session. When queried, Judon succinctly stated, "I didn't say nothing about practice," leaving fans and analysts alike in speculation. Previously, Mayo had commented on Judon's expected involvement, saying the linebacker would be in pads practicing. This discrepancy has left the situation somewhat clouded in uncertainty.
Adding to the list of absences was wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who missed the start of practice. Bourne is presently on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, and his absence from practice sessions continues to be a concern for the coaching staff.
Offensive Line Evaluations
On the offensive front, Mayo is working hard to solidify his starting lineup. During Tuesday's practice, the first offensive line group comprised Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Calvin Anderson. Meanwhile, the second group showcased Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Atonio Mafi, and Zuri Henry.
The offensive line is a critical component for the Patriots' game plan, and Mayo is keen on establishing a starting offensive lineup by the second preseason game. The head coach has articulated his desire to "know who'll be in his starting offensive line by the second preseason game," underscoring the importance of these early practice sessions and preseason confrontations.
As the Patriots prepare to enter a new season under Mayo's leadership, these developments offer a glimpse into the evolving dynamics within the team. The debut game against the Carolina Panthers not only serves as a proving ground for the quarterbacks but also as a crucial juncture for assessing team readiness and individual performances. The Patriots' faithful will be watching closely, hoping for a strong start to what promises to be an intriguing season under Coach Mayo's stewardship.