It’s now game time, as the New England Patriots take on the Carolina Panthers in their preseason opener on Thursday night. Eleven training camp practices have passed.
With a number of new players, including third overall pick Drake Maye, and a revamped coaching staff, the preseason in New England this year might be more thrilling than normal.
Let’s have a peek at who we will be keeping a careful eye on on Thursday night.
Drake Maye, quarterback
With his recent gains in training camp, the rookie quarterback could get plenty of playing time on Thursday night—that is, if the Patriots offensive line can continue to perform well in front of him. During camp, Maye has concentrated on playing promptly and pocketing the ball, but in real game action, he should be able to unleash more of the playmaker that he showed in college. Maye’s other great skill, airing it out long against a different defense, should also be given more chances.
Maye should get practice time with the “starters” going ahead if she puts on a strong showing.
Terrell Jennings as the running back
At 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds, the UDFA running back runs really hard. He recently showed off his skills in camp while wearing full pads. Given that Jennings set career highs at Florida A&M last season with 40 missed tackles and 561 rushing yards after contact (4.6 yards per rush), that shouldn’t be shocking. Along with Kevin Harris, Jennings should have his fair share of touches as the competition for the third running back job behind Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson heats up. Gibson and Jennings have both displayed some wiggle as ball carriers in camp.
Wide receiver: Boutte Kayshon
While Pop Douglas, Javon Baker, and Ja’Lynn Polk have received the majority of the spotlight during camp, Boutte has been quietly accumulating excellent days in his second NFL training camp. Boutte has demonstrated excellent hands in high-difficult locations playing near the outside (sometimes with the top offense), as evidenced by two contested catches during practice on Tuesday. Thursday night should see a lot of play for Boutte, especially since Tyquan Thornton is now sidelined due to a soft tissue injury.
Final player: Jaheim Bell
In addition to Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry, the Patriots require a third tight end. Mitchell Wilcox has been significantly involved in such a role during the spring and summer, but he has frequently struggled with inconsistent hands. There will be extended time for La’Michael Pettway as well, but youngster Jaheim Bell might be the most interesting player in the whole room. Bell participated in none of the summer’s activities until Tuesday, when he made his full practice return and pulled in an outstanding touchdown from Maye. On Thursday, he’ll try to showcase his versatile skill set and possibly begin moving up the tight end depth chart.
Vederian Lowe and Caedan Wallace are the offensive line.
With Sidy Sow, David Andrews, and Mike Onwenu apparently set up for life in the center of New England’s offensive line, offensive tackle is still a big question mark. Chuks Okorafor has not participated in recent sessions, leaving Vederian Lowe and Calvin Anderson as the top two tackles.
Given that Lowe has started the last five practices at left tackle, everything appears to be in place for him to start on the blindside on Thursday night. After the first two padded practices, Caedan Wallace has been running with the second team; if he performs well, he may be able to climb back up the depth chart. Wallace is expected to see a lot of work behind him.
NFL: Patriots Training Camp, July 25
Image courtesy of Getty Images and Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire
Line of defense: Trysten Hill
The unenviable task of trying to replace Christian Barmore (blood clots) up front falls to New England. As could be expected, a number of players—including rookie Mike Purcell, Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms, and Armon Watts—are taking into consideration. Trysten Hill, a second-round selection in 2019 who was added to the practice squad in October, may be the most fascinating, though. Recently, Hill has been playing a more prominent role up front, forcing a fumble on Bailey Zappe on Tuesday and registering a few pressures and near-sacks.
Ximines, Oshane, at linebacker
Due to Joshua Uche’s recent limitations and Matthew Judon’s ongoing contract drama, Oshane Ximines, a late free agency signing, is still seeing a lot of run-around. With a very strong drive that sets the stage for regular quarterback pressures, he has also been impressive. At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Ximines is a standup edge-setter who can also play with his hands in the dirt. He should be a key player on the new kickoff play.
Cornerback: Everybody
This summer, the young cornerback group for the Patriots has seen ups and downs, at times extending to former first-round choice Christian Gonzalez. From this vantage point, Gonzalez is not a concern, but going into the game, it appears like there are many undefined roles behind him and the Joneses.
Alex Austin has cooled off recently after having a great spring and conclusion to the previous season, which makes room for more Marco Wilson outdoors. Shaun Wade is once again making an impression inside, Marcellas Dial, a rookie, has been more active lately, and Isaiah Bolden is still utilized all over the secondary. Azizi Hearn and Mikey Victor, two depth corners, are likewise not going down without a fight.
Safety: Jaylinn Hawkins and Dell Pettus Jerod Mayo stated that safety Jaylinn Hawkins would see a lot of action but he was not eager to divulge much about his Thursday night strategy. Since the spring, Hawkins—who Mayo said will “be a big piece of the group”—has witnessed that significant part in New England’s secondary. He’s been around the ball a lot lately; on Saturday, he recorded an interception and a pass breakup.
Furthermore, backside player Dell Pettus of the UDFA has been gaining ground since the pads went on, which is to be expected given his performance at Troy. Pettus has had many pass breakups in coverage and added physicality to live tackling drills and the run game. He has contributed a play or two in each of the previous three sessions, and he will try to build on that on Thursday.
Special groups: Ryland, Chad
Throughout the summer, the Patriots kicker rivalry has been close, with Ryland making 24 of 27 tries and Slye making 22 of 27. Preseason play will probably determine this, and like last year, the Patriots should try more than one field goal and two extra points. All eyes will be on Ryland to see whether he can build on his early leg up after he was left out of game action last summer.
Bonus: The coaching staff and Jerod Mayo
As was already mentioned, Jerod Mayo, the new head coach, is one of several new faces and duties on the Patriots coaching staff. It will be Mayo’s first game in this role on Thursday night, serving as his first official dress rehearsal. In addition, defensive coordinator Demarcus Covington will call plays for the first time in his professional coaching career, while offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will assume full-time play calling responsibilities for the first time in his career.
It will be interesting to see the entire process on Thursday, including who speaks to the quarterback after a play, what coaches are in the booth versus on the sideline, etc.
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