It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots carved out another chapter in their storied franchise. In this new era, Head Coach Jerod Mayo 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 him will be a trio of additional quarterbacks ready to showcase their talents. Rookie sensation Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III are all slated to see action, reflecting Mayo's plan to evaluate his depth at the position. Although the crowd voiced its preference by chanting "Start Drake Maye!" during practice, the rookie still has to iron out some wrinkles, highlighted by his struggles during a two-minute drill where missed passes and an interception marred his performance.
Debut Under The Spotlight
For Jerod Mayo, his transition from an assistant to the head coach role brings a myriad of challenges and scrutiny. However, his focus remains locked in on the players currently wearing Patriots jerseys. "The plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina," Mayo confirmed, ensuring that every signal-caller gets a fair shake at impressing the coaching staff.
While there's no apparent quarterback competition — at least for now — Brissett leads the charge as the Patriots' starting quarterback. Yet, the practices have illuminated areas where improvement is necessary. Drake Maye, notably, has been working on getting the ball out quicker, a skill that will be vital once the real games commence.
Under the Spotlight: Matthew Judon
One notable absence from the field was linebacker Matthew Judon, whose situation has sparked intrigue and speculation. Judon exited after stretches and returned in street clothes, signaling his non-participation in practice. When confronted with questions, Judon simply stated, "I didn't say nothing about practice." The ambiguity surrounding his status is further compounded by Mayo’s earlier remarks indicating that Judon would be suited up and practicing. "Ahead of Tuesday's practice, Mayo spoke about the Judon situation and said the linebacker would be in pads practicing," the head coach reiterated.
There's speculation that Judon's absence might be linked to frustrations about not securing a deal while his teammates have been getting contracts. This remains unconfirmed, yet it adds another layer to Mayo’s early days in command.
Roster Maneuvers and Trade Rumors
The Patriots are no strangers to potential trade scenarios and roster changes. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne missed the start of practice, fueling speculation that he might be part of a trade package, possibly alongside draft picks, to acquire San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Reports suggest that the Patriots have indeed placed an offer for Aiyuk, although Mayo has remained tight-lipped on the subject, stating his focus is on current players.
Bourne, who is on the PUP list, is frequently seen stretching with the team at the start of practice. The uncertainty surrounding his status adds a layer of complexity as the team prepares for preseason action.
Offensive Line Evaluations
The Patriots' offensive line remains a critical area of focus for Mayo, who aims to establish his starting 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. During Tuesday's practice, the first offensive line group featured Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Calvin Anderson. The second group included Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Atonio Mafi, and Zuri Henry.
As the Patriots navigate their preseason preparations, Jerod Mayo's leadership and the players' performance during these crucial practices will undoubtedly set the tone. Whether it's quarterback rotations, potential trades, or solidifying the offensive line, every detail is under the microscope as the New England Patriots march towards a new era.