Is reality starting to set in for the 2023 Patriots?
Day 1 of Pats at Pack joint practices was marked by a hot start and a clunky finish for the New England Patriots, guests of the Green Bay Packers on the practice fields outside historic Lambeau Field. Coach Bill Belichick was reportedly displeased with how the offense was performing and made them repeat some drills at practice’s conclusion (now’s the time to do it!).
Day 2, however, seemed to be a completely different story for the Foxboro football squad, marked by intensity, efficiency, execution and attitude, elements this team has lacked at times and will need in abundance all season long.
According to multiple reports from Green Bay, the Patriots were a significantly better team on Thursday, dominating especially in early red-zone drills on offense and defense. Mac Jones had his best practice in ages, the highlight of which was a long touchdown connection to DeVante Parker, who also had a day, sending the Pats sideline into elation.
Seemingly every Pats receiver had their moment and scored, including Parker, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne, who beat corner Jaire Alexander on a nice goal-line in-cut.
Even Tyquan Thornton made a spectacular leaping grab on a long pass, but unfortunately injured himself on the play and was assisted off the field. No word yet as to his condition or availability for Saturday night.
In addition to Mac surging and the receivers succeeding, other positives on offense included the debut of Ezekiel Elliott, signed just two days ago by the Pats.
Reports indicated the Packers were being extra physical with Elliott, a longtime rival in the NFC. He let them know he was none too pleased.
The defense had their moments as well, giving Packers quarterback Jordan Love some fits, though Love did have some highlights, including a long ball to Christian Watson over Christian Gonzalez.
And, of course, because it’s joint practices, there were scuffles and tussles aplenty, with a reported seven skirmishes between the teams within the first hour. Matthew Judon said players absolutely would have been kicked out had it been real games…especially with punches thrown and helmets flying.
All in all a very successful day for the Pats, who need the improvement, the confidence building, the reps, the buzz, all of it. As to what the key to the turnaround from Day 1 to Day 2 might have been?
Players responded afterward like they knew they were capable of more, of better, and on Thursday they delivered. You’d have to imagine Bill Belichick was more pleased today, and there’s probably plenty he’d like to see them repeat today and again later, and after that, too.
The Packers host the Patriots for preseason game No. 2 Saturday at 8 p.m. from Lambeau Field.
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