6 rings: Patriots continue positive momentum with another very efficient practice
I originally planned to open today’s notebook with something on Julian Edelman, the three-time Super Bowl champion who returned to Foxborough on Thursday to hang with the team, greet fans, talk to media - but then Jack Jones stole the show. And not for good reason.
The second year cornerback was the lowlight in an otherwise productive 8th day of training camp for the Patriots when he stormed off the field with Jabrill Peppers draped on his shoulder, looking like he was talking him off a metaphorical ledge.
While it seemed as though Jones had been kicked out of practice following a highly-contested rep against Kendrick Bourne, he returned to the field roughly 15 minutes later had had two chats with Matt Groh and Jalen Mills. For someone already in the spotlight, no news is good news. Here we are.
But Jules was here. So that was cool. Here’s everything else that went down at Thursday’s practice:
First on the field, player arrivals
Building off of his dominant practice on Wednesday, Mac Jones was the first Patriot on the field, alongside his backup Bailey Zappe.
Kayshon Boutte, looking to continue his momentum.
Oh, and here's Edelman.
Notes and Storylines: Offense
- Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton was back at practice after leaving Wednesday’s session early, but he once again made his way down to the conditioning field once competitive reps began.
- Trent Brown was late to practice, arrived to stretch without pads on, and was then a non-participant. The ramp up, ramp down, potential pseudo-hold in for the 6-foot-9 tackle continues.
- Cole Strange and Ty Montgomery were not at practice, but eventually arrived together to watch the session. Both donned left leg sleeves.
- While tackling drills have been a lost art in the NFL for some time now, New England actually ran one on Thursday with their defensive backs. The star of the drill? Wide receiver Demario Douglas, who went virtiaully untouched in every rep he took.
- Douglas also smoked Marcus Jones in a 1-on-1. His quickness is impossible to miss.
- When the Patriots ran 11-on-11s, they switched the personnel up with their quarterbacks. Mac was up first with the starting offensive line, but was given a skill position group that included Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, Tre Nixon, and Anthony Firkser. When Bailey Zappe was up, he ran with the second offensive line, but was throwing to JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, and DeVante Parker. They likely killed two birds with one stone here, giving Zappe run with the first receivers, and some young guns a chance to shine with Mac “QB1” Jones. It was arguably the most noteworthy part of practice.
- In said 11-on-11s, Mac Jones had the throw of the day on a deep corner route to Tre Nixon. He dropped it in the bucket between JAbill Pappers and Christian Gonzalez in coverage.
- Rookie Kayshon Boutte made the most out of his additional reps, stringing together another solid day. Mac Jones found him several times, and he then hauled in arguably the catch of the day from Zappe for a touchdown. A tip-toe snag with Ameer Speed in coverage. Boutte shined for a second day in a row. He also beat Jonathan Jones for a would-be touchdown, but Mac didn’t see him.
- Bill O’Brien was once again dialing it up in the red zone. The highlight was a touchdown from Jones to JuJu Smith-Schuster on a rub-route similar to what the Seahawks tried to do to the Patriots on the goalline in Super Bowl 49. New England actually executed.
Notes and Storylines: Defense
- Like Trent Brown, Matthew Judon was also a late arriver to practice on Thurssday. He wasn’t in pads, and was again a non-participant.
- Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, who’s not necessarily known for his coverage abilities, blanketed Rhamondre Stevenson in 1-on-1s, forcing Mac Jones to not even throw the ball. He also made a nice play on tight end Matt Sokol during 11s, forcing him to fumble. It got contentious on media hill whether Sokol made a football move, but it was a great play regardless.
- Jonathan Jones continued to get the “first” reps at boundary cornerback opposite Christian Gonzalez, but due to Jack Jones’ absence, rookie Isaiah Bolden saw work at the CB2 spot during two-minute drill to end practice. While the drop off at the position is very real, Bolden held his own, making nice play on DeVante Parker.
- Speaking of cornerbacks, Christian Gonzalez has come back to earth a bit over th past few days. He doesn’t necessarily get cooked and is often in position to make a tackle, but it’d be nice to see a pass break-up or two.
- Safety Adrian Phillips, who I mentioned recently on the Six Rings podcast as a “surprise cut” made a nice play in the end zone today, intercepting Mac Jones on a poor decision from the quarterback. Perhaps Phillips is a listener.
- Kyle Dugger also once again picked off Mac Jones during 11s. His third on the starter this preseason.
Notes and Storylines: Special teams
- Chad Ryland and Bryce Baringer remain the first team kicker and punter, and Chad Ryland is nails. Nick Folk has been awesome for this team over the last several seasons, but it’s Ryland time.
- Corliss Waitman, the punter competing with Baringer, had a solid performance. His kicks popped off the leg a little bit on Thursday.
Player of the Day
Kayshon Boutte.
Boutte followed up a productive Wednesday with another solid showing on Thursday, connecting several times with both Jones and Zappe. With Ed Lee being released, this gives him another chance to push for a roster spot.
Media availability
We spoke with DeVante Parker, Marte Mapu, Christian Gonzalez, and Mac Jones following practice. Here’s what stood out:
“He’s very patient,” Parker said about Gonzalez. “I like his skillset. He’s going to be a great player.”
Parker was also asked to weigh in on who the best trash talker is on the Patriots, “Mac Jones. For sure.”
Mapu, who has been in a red, non-contact practice jersey since the start of the offseason program, says he’s ready to be a full participant. “It feels like it in my heart. That’s a question for the coaches and the trainers.
Gonzalez, who is rather soft-spoken, gave both the best and simplest quote of the day: “It’s always exiting to come out and play football.”
Mac Jones was asked about the supposed position battle between him and Zappe, saying that “I think every year you have to have the mindset that you’re competing.”
“Yeah Pop Shotta, that’s my guy,” Jones said about rookie sensation Demario Douglas, “He’s a great kid, works really hard.” The quarterback also mentioned that they’re from the same hometown, Jacksonville, and that he’s a legend down there.
Wrap-Up and Takeaways
Overall, Thursday was an evenly matched outing that showed that the Patriots have players in all three phases of the game.
They’ll now have a chance to show that off in front of their new video board inside Gillette Stadium. New England’s next practice is Friday night on the game field in front of season ticket holders and Foxborough residents. Prior to practice, the team will be unveiling the new screen.
We’ll, of course, have you covered for all of it here at WEEI.com.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
Related
