Patriots Gear Up for Preseason Clash Under Rainy Skies
It was a rainy day at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots braved the elements to prepare for their upcoming preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. This game will mark a significant moment in the franchise, showcasing the debut of Head Coach Jerod Mayo and starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett, who is set to command the offense, has already had a taste of the action, taking critical snaps during the team's practice. He will not be alone in this endeavor, with three additional quarterbacks—Drake Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III—ready to display their talents on the field.
Quarterback Lineup
The plan, as confirmed by Mayo, is clear: "The plan right now is to have all four quarterbacks -- Brissett, Maye, Bailey Zappe, and Joe Milton III -- play against Carolina." The starting quarterback role, however, falls to Brissett, who will lead the charge for the Patriots.
Drake Maye faced challenges during a two-minute drill in practice, where he struggled with missed passes and an unfortunate interception. Despite these hurdles, Maye has been concentrating on improving his game, particularly in getting the ball out quicker.
Challenges and Setbacks
Not all news from the practice field was positive. Linebacker Matthew Judon exited after stretches, only to return in street clothes, signaling his non-participation in the practice session. When questioned, Judon simply stated, "I didn't say nothing about practice." This development came as a surprise, especially since Mayo had previously mentioned that the linebacker would be in pads practicing.
Another notable absence from the start of practice was wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Offensive Line Preparations
The configuration of the offensive line remains a focal point for Mayo, who aims to solidify his starting lineup by the second preseason game. 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.
Efforts to build a cohesive and effective offensive line are critical as the team prepares for the regular season. Mayo emphasized the importance of establishing the starting offensive lineup promptly, stating, "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 preseason clash against the Carolina Panthers, all eyes will be on the performance of the quarterbacks and the configuration of the offensive line. The rainy day at Gillette Stadium set a dramatic backdrop for a team in transition, ready to carve out the next chapter in their storied history.