It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots carved out another chapter in their storied franchise. The anticipation was palpable as Head Coach Jerod Mayo prepared for his long-anticipated debut alongside starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett. This coming Thursday night, the Patriots will take on the Carolina Panthers, a matchup that holds significant weight for the team’s future direction.
Brissett, who has been designated as the starting quarterback, led the offense during the team’s recent practice. His leadership and command in the practice setting laid a foundation for what fans can expect in the upcoming game. Flanking him were three additional quarterbacks, each eager to showcase their talents: Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III.
Quarterbacks Ready to Shine
Drake Maye, however, faced some challenges during a two-minute drill where missed passes and an interception marred his performance. Despite these setbacks, Maye has been focused on improving his game, particularly working on getting the ball out quicker.
"The plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina," Head Coach Jerod Mayo confirmed. This decision indicates an open trial approach, allowing each quarterback the opportunity to make their mark on the team.
Brissett leads the charge as the Patriots' starting quarterback, a decision that seems firm according to Mayo’s plan. His experience and familiarity with the team dynamics position him as a stable figure in this new era under Coach Mayo.
Challenges and Changes
Aside from the quarterback lineup, other aspects of the team’s preparation have been under scrutiny. Linebacker Matthew Judon exited practice after stretches and returned in street clothes, signaling his non-participation. When questioned, Judon simply stated, "I didn't say nothing about practice." This situation adds a layer of complexity to Mayo’s plans, particularly since Mayo had previously mentioned that Judon would be in pads practicing. This discrepancy raises questions about Judon’s readiness and availability for the upcoming game.
Kendrick Bourne's situation also remains a concern. Bourne missed the start of practice and is currently on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, limiting his participation and impacting the team's offensive options.
Offensive Line Under Construction
Mayo’s strategy extends beyond the quarterbacks and into the trenches of the offensive line. During Tuesday’s practice, the first offensive line group featured Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Calvin Anderson. Meanwhile, the second group included Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Atonio Mafi, and Zuri Henry.
Mayo has clear intentions to solidify 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. This timeline underscores the urgency and importance of the current practices and scrimmages, as players vie for starting positions.
As the Patriots move toward their preseason opener against the Panthers, there is a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Coach Mayo’s debut, the quarterback competition, and the construction of the offensive line all contribute to the unfolding narrative of New England’s preparation for the upcoming NFL season. Each practice session and each player’s performance will be critical in setting the tone for what lies ahead.