It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots carved out another chapter in their storied franchise. The spotlight was firmly on Head Coach Jerod Mayo, who 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, who will command the offense, got a taste of what’s to come as he took snaps during the team’s practice. Flanking Brissett will be a trio of additional quarterbacks ready to showcase their talents: Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III. Each quarterback has something to prove, but it's Brissett who currently leads the charge.
The Quarterback Lineup
All eyes were on Drake Maye during the two-minute drill, yet his performance was marred by missed passes and an interception. Head Coach Jerod Mayo has 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 stated.
Maye has been working diligently on getting the ball out quicker, seeking to refine his techniques and improve his execution under pressure. For the fans and coaching staff alike, this game will offer a pivotal look at each quarterback's current capabilities and future potential.
Roster Adjustments and Injuries
While the quarterbacks are attracting considerable attention, there were significant moves and changes observed during practice. Linebacker Matthew Judon exited the practice field after stretches and returned dressed in street clothes, signaling his non-participation. When queried, Judon simply responded, "I didn't say nothing about practice," shedding little light on his status. Ahead of Tuesday's practice, Coach Mayo had mentioned, "the linebacker would be in pads practicing," leaving fans to wonder about the sudden change.
A similar air of uncertainty surrounds wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who missed the start of practice and is currently on the PUP list. His absence is a notable miss as the team gears up for a crucial preseason matchup.
Offensive Line in Transition
Mayo aims to establish his starting offensive lineup by the second preseason game, but the current composition is still taking shape. During Tuesday's practice, the first offensive line group featured Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Calvin Anderson. This lineup signifies the current front-runners expected to protect Brissett and enable the run game.
The second offensive line group included Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Atonio Mafi, and Zuri Henry. With time ticking down to the preseason opener, these players know that every rep and every practice session is vital to their positioning in the depth chart. Reported sources indicate, "Mayo previously said he wants to know who'll be in his starting offensive line by the second preseason game." Each practice performance is under close scrutiny as the team looks to solidify a cohesive unit.
The upcoming clash against the Carolina Panthers is poised to be a revealing contest. It's more than just another preseason game; it's a proving ground for the quarterbacks, a test for the developing offensive line, and a stage to observe how player dynamics will evolve under Coach Jerod Mayo's fresh leadership. As the Patriots forge ahead, fans and analysts alike wait with bated breath to see how this new chapter in their franchise history unfolds.