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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Mac Jones’ third NFL camp opened amid questions about whether he was battling Bailey Zappe for the starting job. It ended much more positively, with Jones closing out a “razor-sharp“ practice by firing a pair of touchdowns. He’s distanced himself from Zappe despite playing just three series all preseason. Teammate Adrian Phillips notes Jones’ improvement this summer, noting, “I just think overall, he’s a way better quarterback, I’m talking bombs, anything that he can do. You just love to see that.” Zappe bumbled through a forgettable loss to the Titans on Friday, leading just one scoring drive while fumbling three times. He was a surprise casualty when 53-man rosters were finalized this week.
Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott has only been a Patriot for two weeks, but he’s already taken on “a sizeable role.“ The Athletic’s Chad Graff noted the quick integration and also how Elliott’s skillset can fit behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson. “It’s certainly easy to envision Stevenson getting the bulk of the snaps during a drive until the Patriots get inside the 10-yard line, then turning to Elliott to get the ball into the end zone. The Patriots were the league’s worst red zone team last season and one of the worst at picking up third-and-shorts.” It’s fair to expect a two-man show entering Week 1, as the rest of the depth chart has underwhelmed. Kevin Harris started Friday night, rarely a good sign for one’s roster chances, and plodded to just 17 yards (and a touchdown) on seven carries.
Wide Receivers
The coaches have settled comfortably on a six-receiver rotation. It’s not a particularly dynamic group, but Boston Globe’s Ben Volin is happy with its potential. Veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker have the starting spots locked up. No. 3 Kendrick Bourne, who has long alternated explosive stretches with disappearing acts, has “consistently flashed big energy and big plays in practice, serving as a catalyst for the offense,” Volin notes. And young receivers Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have flashed lower on the depth chart. Douglas looks locked in as a slot specialist and punt returner. Patriots Insider’s Phil Perry has touted Boutte’s penchant for big catches throughout camp. Tyquan Thornton has been a disappointment, having not practiced since August 17 with an undisclosed injury. “I know that Thornton was a higher draft pick [than Boutte],” NBC Boston’s Tom Curran said last week. “However, you make the decision whether Thornton ends up on IR or released and then sent to the practice squad; you’ve got to go with the best players, in my estimation.”
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry – and the team’s usage of him in the offense – drew raves from the media throughout camp. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is back with the team when it fielded the dynamic duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, so it’s natural he would look for ways to leverage Mike Gesicki in conjunction with Henry. Gesicki didn’t play in the preseason finale, but fortunately, it was because he was a healthy scratch along with the other starters.
Kickers
Rookie fourth-round pick Chad Ryland took the only placekick attempt in the preseason finale and made it—an extra-point attempt. The team only attempted one field goal in the preseason, so they didn’t gain much clarity in the kicker battle between him and Nick Folk. But Folk was traded away, so Ryland has the job.
Defense
Bill Belichick's defense is brimming with stat-generating players, from Ja'Whuan Bentley anchoring the deep front line to dynamic playmakers like Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers in the secondary. But the key concern heading into 2023 is the unit's cohesiveness in the absence of longtime captain Devon McCourty, who retired this past March. Star edge rusher Matt Judon sounds confident about the transition. “I think we all thought it was going to slow down and be a little bit complicated because Dev’s been doing it for so long,” Judon said. “But I don’t think so. I think it’s as sharp as it’s ever been with me being around here. I think our play-callers are doing a great job.”
Returners
Marcus Jones was a first-team All-Pro returner as a rookie and will reprise his role in 2023.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Bailey Zappe hasn’t been a credible threat to Mac Jones all summer, and this week’s game didn’t change the calculus. Zappe found rookie Kayshon Boutte from 42 yards out for a touchdown, and then he later ran in a 6-yard score himself. That said, his start was rough, and he ended the day just 10 of 22, at a meager 5.3 yards per throw. This has never looked like a competition, and the only real drama here is whether Malik Cunningham can stick at quarterback and pressure Zappe. For what it’s worth, Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Girardi found one AFC scout who would “rather have Cunningham” as the backup “than the little guy [Zappe].”
Running Backs
“Man, it sure does feel good to complete the running back room,” Patriots Wire’s Cam Garrity exhaled last week upon Ezekiel Elliott’s signing. The Patriots are no strangers to kicking the tires on end-of-the-line veterans at this stage of camp, and there are countless examples of those who have been waived weeks (or days) later. But this one feels more targeted and needs-based than rolling the dice on, say, a late-stage Kenny Britt. Elliott no longer looks like a franchise back but will undoubtedly upgrade the No. 2 role from still-quiet youngsters Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris. At least Strong continues to stake his claim as a receiver from the backfield, a trait long appreciated by Bill Belichick and Bill O’Brien. Ultimately, though, it's hard to see this rag-tag group of reserves pushing lead man Rhamondre Stevenson more than he was pushed last year. Stevenson was managed carefully during camp as a precaution; it was encouraging to see him bulldoze into the end zone Saturday night.
Wide Receivers
The top three wideout spots are likely locked in among JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, and Kendrick Bourne. But two low-drafted rookies, Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, are making cases to leapfrog the disappointing Tyquan Thornton. Boutte, once a five-star recruit to LSU, has shown off game-changing quickness and after-catch ability. And Douglas, who works out of the slot, calls to mind what Jakobi Meyers brought to this offense over the last three years. Beat writer Tom Curran called Douglas “a problem” for the defense, winning both downfield and at the line of scrimmage. For his part, Thornton had reportedly tumbled down the pecking order in camp, then injured his shoulder during last week’s practice. For what it’s worth, Clutch Points’ Owen Crisafulli considers Thornton a potential cut candidate, though the injury clouds that a bit. It's telling that Thornton, who has been suiting up for most of training camp, is getting outproduced by Douglas and Boutte right now,” Crisafulli points out. The team would love for a size/speed prospect like Thornton to pan out and stretch the field, but that job may fall to the dynamic Boutte. This has the potential of a deep group, without even considering sometimes-quarterback Malik Cunningham. Cunningham didn’t help his case Saturday night by going catchless on five targets. But Isaiah Bolden’s injury may lock Cunningham into the kick-return job.
Tight Ends
Patriots Wire’s Cam Garrity doesn’t foresee any surprises coming to the team’s tight ends room. He figures Hunter Henry, who was hot right out of the gates, and Mike Gesicki, who looks like a toss-up for Week 1, are the only noteworthy names – and perhaps the only two to stick on the roster. Third-teamer Matt Sokol is a blocking specialist who can probably be stashed on the practice squad. The fantasy world has grown weary of expecting big things from Patriots tight ends, but there’s reason for optimism under new coordinator Bill O’Brien. Henry is the clear starter, but Gesicki has drawn more and more press as camp has worn on.
Kickers
In their second preseason game, the Patriots exclusively attempted extra points. Nick Folk made two, and fourth-round pick Chad Ryland made one. Although it’s a tight competition, Ryland is the favorite since the team wouldn't want to waste a fourth-round pick. However, Folk's proficiency could attract interest from multiple teams, potentially allowing New England to trade the veteran.
Defense
After an uneven start to camp, and joint practices with the Packers, Patriots media was abuzz last Thursday after a particularly “fired-up” day. The results on Saturday night, though, were mixed at best. New England played its starters, yet Green Bay quarterbacks Jordan Love and Sean Clifford weren’t sacked and combined for a 104.1 rating. Still, there’s little reason to worry over what looks like the team’s chief strength. “This is a very good front, run stopping and also getting after the quarterback,” All-Pro edge rusher Matthew Judon said after the fiery Thursday session. “We can mix it up. We can put guys in different positions, whether it’s end, nose, 3-technique, and we can line five straight defensive linemen up and go like that. It’s going to be hard to block us.”
Offensive Line
Left tackle Trent Brown and guard Cole Strange returned to action last week after minor injuries. Brown went full speed in the joint practices with Green Bay, while Strange was limited. The question is at right guard, where Mike Onwenu is on the PUP list after offseason ankle surgery. Rookie Atonio Mafi and Riley Reiff are battling at right guard, with Reiff also in the mix with Conor McDermott and rookie Sidy Sow at right tackle. Calvin Anderson has spent the summer on the non-football injury list. Assuming Onwenu is healthy by Week 1, this line ranks 13th overall.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
There’s no indication of any quarterback competition, but Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe don’t appear to be best friends, either. Jones didn’t play against the Texans, as most of the starters were rested. Zappe was poised and sharp in Jones’ place. He played the whole first half and hit on 12-of-14 throws, sticking mostly to the short zones of the field. “We [quarterbacks] want what’s best for the team,” Zappe said post-game. “We want to win no matter who’s out there.” Zappe, understandably, isn’t ready to concede the No. 1 role even if the odds are minute. MassLive’s Karen Guregian notes, “there’s a bit of a chill when they’re on the field [together], walking past each other without so much as a glance. And not offering any kind of high-five or pat after a good play.”
Running Backs
After two weeks of camp and the preseason opener, beat writer Alex Barth is unimpressed with the young options behind Rhamondre Stevenson. “Neither [Pierre] Strong nor Kevin Harris has been able to separate himself as a potential No. 2 back,” Both Barth and the Boston Globe’s Chad Finn advocated for a veteran signing, with Finn saying, “Even if [Strong and Harris] improve, the drop-off from Stevenson would be huge.” Fortunately, their pleas were answered as Ezekiel Elliott signed a 1-year deal worth up to $6 million with incentives. Elliott isn’t an elite player anymore, but he should slot nicely behind Stevenson and provide an experienced red-zone threat. Strong is likely to stick on the roster, as he’s caught passes left and right in a mini-James White role.
Wide Receivers
The top of the depth chart holds little mystery, with veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker locked into starting roles. However, rookie slot receiver Demario Douglas, a productive college player who fell to the sixth round, appears poised to surpass expectations. Boston.com’s Conor Ryan feels that “no player has elevated their stock more” and labeled Douglas the team’s “most dependable playmaker so far in camp.” No wideout had drawn more first-team reps or caught more balls through twelve practices. The team seems to have found a successor to Jakobi Meyers in the slot with Douglas. He seems well ahead of Tyquan Thornton, who made a big catch in the preseason opener but has struggled overall. It’s never a great sign when Bill Belichick details your camp struggles. “He has his own playing style that’s a little bit unique to him,” Belichick said. “But the fundamentals of receiving are the fundamentals of receiving.” Assuming Kendrick Bourne’s roster spot is safe, it will be hard for Thornton to find snaps on game day. Kayshon Boutte, another late-round rookie, shows promise but has been inconsistent.
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry is healthy, in shape, and has established a clear connection with Mac Jones. Many wondered if Mike Gesicki would push for the No. 1 role, but that hasn’t happened. Camp reports have been lukewarm on Gesicki, at best, and he’s now dealing with an injury that will cost him the rest of the preseason, at a minimum.
Kickers
Nick Folk got the only attempt between the two Patriots kickers vying to win the job, making a 44-yard field goal. But Chad Ryland is having a great camp and still appears ahead due to his superior leg strength. With a few teams unsure about their kicker situations at this point in the preseason, Folk could become attractive trade bait before Week 1 rolls around.
Defense
By all accounts, the Patriots struck gold with rookie edge rusher Keion White. Offseason reports were positive, training camp reports were even more encouraging, and expectations have skyrocketed. After the preseason opener, NBC Boston’s Nick Goss joined the hype, saying White made “life miserable for Texans starting quarterback C.J. Stroud.” Between White and cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who also started against Houston, the rookie class is encouraging. For his part, Gonzalez bounced back from a “wakeup call” hit on his first snap of the opener to impress.
Returners
Marcus Jones was a first-team All-Pro returner as a rookie and will reprise his role in 2023.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Mac Jones endured a rough offseason, one that led to offseason rumblings of a quarterback battle and even Bill Belichick’s job security. It wasn’t surprising after his disastrous 2022 campaign, but things seem to have stabilized, at least a bit, at training camp. "Jones's timing and confidence are improving daily," according to Patriots.com’s Evan Lazar, who notes he’s "also beating blitzes by the defense with a quick release… Jones is effectively operating the short and intermediate passing game, [new coordinator Bill] O'Brien's bread and butter, and the receivers are finding more separation downfield in the second week of camp." This is welcomed news for a franchise that’s been as quarterback-starved as any since Tom Brady left. Behind Jones, Bailey Zappe looks like a highly-qualified young backup, but nothing further at this point. "There is no quarterback competition," Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan states confidently. "Jones is the starter."
Running Backs
Lead back Rhamondre Stevenson has been limited on and off in early practices, sometimes without explanation. "You got to ask Bill [Belichick], really," Stevenson told the media last week. "I don’t know why I’m not practicing [today]. I’m itching to get in there, especially when we have pads on." As SI.com’s Harrison Reno figures, the team is likely just managing snaps for its third-year runner to get better looks at the likes of Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris. Once fully engaged, Stevenson should dominate at least early-down snaps in the absence of Damien Harris. Still, perhaps they’ll add a veteran after their brief dance with James Robinson ended in June. Dalvin Cook may not be a realistic option, but Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette remain unsigned. Stevenson caught 69 balls last year, but there’s been talk of Strong cutting into that receiving role à la James White.
Wide Receivers
As another training camp unfolds, concerns arise once again about the state of the receiving corps. The top two wideouts, JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker, boast an extensive NFL experience of 185 combined games. Both are reliable possession receivers, compensating for their lack of separation skills with strong fundamentals. However, questions persist regarding their ability to make game-changing plays.
Kendrick Bourne, considered a replacement-level wideout, has yet to make a significant impact. Similarly, Tyquan Thornton, though talented, hasn’t made a lasting impression. “It's fair to start worrying about Thornton's development,” according to beat writer Evan Lazar. “He started to flash in team drills on second-team reps but was going against [reserve cornerback] Shaun Wade and rookie Isaiah Bolden. Other than that, he's either been unavailable or struggling to stand out.” The slender Thornton has yet to show explosiveness that matches his 4.28-second 40-yard speed. Rookie Demario Douglas is making an impression. Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed likes what little we’ve seen of Douglas with the first team. Fellow rookie Kayshon Boutte and journeyman Tre Nixon are stuck taking scout team snaps.
Tight Ends
The never-ending carousel of talented veteran tight ends spun again this offseason. Out goes Jonnu Smith, who flashed with the Titans but caught just a single touchdown over two years in New England. In comes Mike Gesicki from the rival Dolphins and journeyman blocker Anthony Firkser. On paper, Gesicki should form a dynamic seam threat with Hunter Henry; both are fast and slippery in the slot and could cause weekly mismatches. But if only one finds relevance this year, it’s likely Henry, who's enjoyed a great start to camp. Lazar gushed over Henry and Mac Jones’ chemistry last week: "The anticipation with these two is off the charts." t Gesicki may be fighting off Matt Sokol for early-down snaps, thanks to Sokol’s effectiveness as a blocker.
Kickers
Chad Ryland, the Patriots' fourth-round pick, showcased his potential on Wednesday by going 9-for-9 in the kicker duel against the seasoned Nick Folk. However, during an in-stadium half-speed scrimmage on Friday night, while Folk made his kicks from 38 and 41 yards, Ryland succeeded from 42 and 43 yards but missed a 45-yarder. Observers have pointed out Ryland’s impressive leg strength, suggesting he could clinch the position if he stays close to Folk in terms of accuracy.
Defense
Through three full-contact practices, it’s clear the team could use help rushing off the edge. There’s not much in place beyond All-Pro Matt Judon and rising star Josh Uche, who combined for 27.0 of the linebackers’ 35.5 sacks last year. Rookies Keion White and Marte Mapu are showing early promise and could emerge as key pieces in the defensive rotation. There’s plenty of downfield playmaking already, with safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers willing to cover both phases in the box; they’re often used as fourth and fifth linebackers. Peppers, in particular, is rising into a full-time leadership role after Devin McCourty’s retirement. This duo could lead all NFL safety groups in tackles and pass breakups.
