It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots carved out another chapter in their storied franchise history. The spotlight shone brightly on Head Coach Jerod Mayo, who is set to make his long-anticipated debut, and starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, as the Patriots prepare to face off against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.
Quarterback Lineup Unveiled
Jacoby Brissett, poised to command the Patriots’ offense, received 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 looking to make their mark: Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III.
During the practice session, Drake Maye struggled in particular. His attempts during a two-minute drill were marred by missed passes and an unfortunate interception. Despite these challenges, Head Coach Jerod Mayo assured that all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- will see playing time against the Panthers. "The plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina," Mayo confirmed.
Brissett in the Driver's Seat
Brissett leads the charge as the Patriots' starting quarterback, bringing experience and a steady hand to the offense. Meanwhile, Drake Maye has been diligently working on getting the ball out quicker, aiming to improve his gameplay and effectiveness on the field.
Injury Updates and Linebacker Drama
Linebacker Matthew Judon had an enigmatic appearance at practice. After participating in stretches, he exited and later returned in street clothes, signaling his non-participation in the remainder of the session. When asked about his status, Judon cryptically responded, "I didn't say nothing about practice."
This development was particularly odd, considering Mayo had previously stated that Judon would be practicing in pads. "Ahead of Tuesday's practice, Mayo spoke about the Judon situation and said the linebacker would be in pads practicing," reiterated the head coach. This puzzling situation leaves open questions about Judon's readiness and potential role moving forward.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne also missed the start of practice and remains on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, adding another layer to the team's injury concerns.
Offensive Line in the Spotlight
The Patriots' practice sessions also provided a clearer picture of the offensive line configurations. The first offensive line group comprised Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Calvin Anderson. This lineup indicates a focus on balancing experience with agility, a necessary component for Brissett's effectiveness.
The second offensive line group featured Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Atonio Mafi, and Zuri Henry. With both units showing promise, Mayo aims to firmly establish 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.
As the Patriots gear up for their upcoming clash with the Panthers, all eyes will be on how these strategic decisions unfold on the field. With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, the team looks to make a definitive statement in the preseason.