It was a dreary day at Gillette Stadium, but the New England Patriots were busy as ever preparing for their Thursday night showdown against the Carolina Panthers. The day was significant not only for the inclement weather but also for marking a new chapter in the Patriots' storied history. This game will be the debut for newly appointed Head Coach Jerod Mayo and starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Quarterbacks' Preparations
Jacoby Brissett, set to lead the Patriot offense, participated in practice, showcasing his readiness for the upcoming matchup. The Patriots are not putting all their chips on Brissett alone; they have a trio of additional quarterbacks vying to make their mark: Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III. While Brissett leads the charge, the other quarterbacks are looking to impress and secure their roles on the team. "The plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina," said Head Coach Jerod Mayo.
Performance Under Scrutiny
Drake Maye, however, had a challenging practice session. His performance during a two-minute drill was less than stellar, marred by missed passes and an interception. It’s clear that Maye is focused on improving his game, particularly in getting the ball out quicker. The significance of these practice sessions cannot be overstated as all four quarterbacks will see action against the Panthers, according to Coach Mayo.
Injuries and Absences
The Patriots' preparations were also impacted by player absences. Linebacker Matthew Judon was a notable non-participant in the practice session. After stretches, he was seen in street clothes, signaling his non-participation. When asked about his absence, Judon cryptically remarked, "I didn't say nothing about practice." This is in contrast to earlier comments from Coach Mayo who had stated that Judon would be in pads practicing.
Another key player missing from the start of practice was Kendrick Bourne, who is currently on the PUP list. The reasons for his absence and the timeline for his return remain unclear, adding another layer of complexity to the Patriots’ preparation.
Setting the Offensive Line
One of the key focuses for Mayo is establishing the starting offensive lineup by the second preseason game. During Tuesday's practice, the first offensive line group featured Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Calvin Anderson. The second group comprised Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Atonio Mafi, and Zuri Henry.
While the combinations during practice offer insight into Mayo's thinking, it's clear that the coaching staff is still evaluating and determining the best fit. "Mayo previously said he wants to know who'll be in his starting offensive line by the second preseason game," reported sources.
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots head into their matchup against the Panthers, all eyes will be on the performance of their quarterbacks and how the lineup shakes out. The debut of Head Coach Jerod Mayo adds an extra layer of anticipation and intrigue. With rain clouds hovering over Foxborough, both metaphorically and literally, the Patriots aim to weather the storm and set a strong tone for the season ahead.