It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium, but the weather could not dampen the spirits of the New England Patriots as they prepared for their upcoming matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This Thursday night game promises to be significant, not just because it marks the beginning of their preseason, but because it also sees the debut of Head Coach Jerod Mayo alongside starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett Takes the Helm
Jacoby Brissett will command the offense, setting the stage for what Patriots fans hope will be a successful season. Brissett has already begun to acclimate to his starting role, taking snaps during the team's recent practice sessions. He will be flanked by three other quarterbacks, each eager to showcase their own talents: Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III.
The anticipation surrounding these quarterbacks is palpable, especially given Mayo's intention to play all four against Carolina. "The plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina," Mayo confirmed. This approach will not only help determine the depth of talent but also prepare the team for any possible contingencies during the season.
Challenges and Adjustments
Drake Maye faced challenges during practice, particularly during a two-minute drill marred by missed passes and an interception. Despite these setbacks, Maye has been focused on improving his game, specifically working on getting the ball out quicker. There's a level of expectation that both Maye and the other quarterbacks will learn and adapt swiftly as they integrate into the team's system.
Roster Movements and Injury Updates
The practice also saw some notable absences and adjustments. Linebacker Matthew Judon exited early, leaving the field in street clothes after stretches, indicating he would not participate in the day's practice. When asked about his absence, Judon was terse: "I didn't say nothing about practice." This contrasted with Mayo's earlier statement that Judon would be practicing in pads, adding a layer of intrigue to the linebacker’s situation.
In addition, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne missed the start of practice and is currently on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. His absence leaves a gap in the receiving corps that the team will need to address as they move through the preseason.
Solidifying the Offensive Line
The offensive line is another area where Mayo aims to establish clarity. During Tuesday's practice, the first offensive line group featured Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Calvin Anderson. This lineup will serve as the backbone for Brissett and the quarterback unit. The second offensive line group included Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Atonio Mafi, and Zuri Henry, providing vital support and depth.
Mayo has made it clear that he wants to finalize 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 emphasizes the need for quick decision-making and coherence within the team, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the regular season.
As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how these elements come together. The Patriots are known for their ability to adapt and excel, even in the face of adversity. The combination of a new head coach, a lineup of promising quarterbacks, and strategic planning for the offensive line indicates a team on the cusp of achieving great things. Thursday night’s game against the Panthers will be the first true test of this revamped roster and coaching strategy, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season.