It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium, a fitting backdrop as the New England Patriots began a new era under Head Coach Jerod Mayo. Mayo, once a star linebacker for the Patriots, will make his long-anticipated head coaching debut on Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers. This matchup will also see Jacoby Brissett stepping into the spotlight as the starting quarterback.
Quarterbacks in the Spotlight
Brissett, who has seen limited action in previous seasons, is now tasked with leading the Patriots' offense. During the team’s recent practice sessions, he took snaps that offered just a glimpse of the responsibilities ahead. Alongside Brissett, three additional quarterbacks are eager to showcase their abilities: Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III. This multi-quarterback strategy is a key part of Mayo’s game plan as he assesses each player's potential to contribute to the team.
Drake Maye, however, faced challenges during practice. In a critical two-minute drill, missed passes and an interception marred his performance, raising questions about his readiness for the big stage. Despite these struggles, Maye has been working diligently on quickening his release, a fundamental skill for any successful quarterback.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo confirmed the plan, stating, "The plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina." This inclusive approach will provide each quarterback the opportunity to prove their mettle under game conditions, allowing Mayo to make more informed decisions moving forward.
Judon’s Mysterious Absence
On the defensive front, linebacker Matthew Judon’s absence from practice was notable. Judon exited after stretches and returned in street clothes, signaling his non-participation. When questioned about his status, Judon cryptically replied, "I didn't say nothing about practice."
This contradicts earlier statements from Mayo, who had indicated 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," the head coach reiterated. This discrepancy has left fans and analysts speculating about Judon’s current condition and future availability.
Offensive Line Developments
The offensive line is another focal point for the Patriots as they prepare for the season. During Tuesday's practice, the first offensive line group featured Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Calvin Anderson. A second group showcased Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Atonio Mafi, and Zuri Henry.
With various combinations being tested, Mayo aims 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 for the Patriots to identify the best configuration to protect their quarterbacks and establish a robust running game.
Injury Concerns
While the team is focused on its new leadership and roster assessments, injuries remain a concern. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne missed the start of practice and is currently on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. His absence has created a gap in the receiving corps that other players will need to fill as the team moves forward.
As the anticipation builds for Thursday night's game against the Panthers, all eyes will be on Jerod Mayo's debut as head coach and Jacoby Brissett's performance as the starting quarterback. The decisions made in the coming weeks will set the tone for the Patriots’ season, with Mayo's strategic assessments and lineup configurations playing a crucial role. The blend of seasoned players and emerging talents promises a dynamic and eventful preseason for one of the NFL's most storied franchises.