The first phase of training camp in New England is over. A dozen practices are in the books. Now, it’s time for the Patriots to ramp up the competition with Thursday night’s preseason opener against Washington at Gillette Stadium.
It’s the first of three preseason games in the NFL’s new 17-game schedule format. It also kicks off a couple of weeks of action that not only includes exhibition games against The Football Team, Eagles and Giants, but also critical joint practice work against the latter two NFC East foes.
How exactly Bill Belichick will handle playing time, reps, competition and personnel Thursday night is anybody’s guess. Washington coach Ron Rivera has already declared that he’s playing his healthy starters. In Tampa Bay, Bruce Arian’s has proclaimed that Tom Brady is going to see action as the defending champs get underway as well.
If Belichick takes a similar approach, or even follows his frequent training camp practice scripts, New England’s starters led by Cam Newton offense could kick things off followed by rookie Mac Jones in action with both the first and second units as the QB competition chugs along in Foxborough.
But there are also plenty of other players worthy of watching in the competition of the preseason opener, a first chance to see how guys fare live action with just a month to go heading toward the Sept. 12 season opener against Miami.
This was exactly the discussion that broke out in the closing minutes of the latest edition of WEEI’s Off Day Podcast: who are the Patriots players most worth watching in Thursday night’s preseason opener against Washington?
Jonnu Smith – With apologies to the quarterbacks, the tight end Smith might be the most intriguing guy on the Patriots roster. The former Titan appears poised to be the centerpiece of the new-look New England passing attack and in line for a possible breakout season. Josh McDaniels seems pretty intent on getting Smith the ball any way he can and letting his athletic ability and matchup strengths do the rest. Getting a taste of that potential against a solid Washington defense is more than worth watching.
Mac Jones – OK, this probably should/could have been the first name on our list. The rookie QB has looked solid throughout camp and at times much more than that. He’s very much in a battle for the starting job. But his resume from college and work on the practice field will only get him so far. He must take the next step and prove he can get the job done in live action where the opponent is actually allowed to hit him. Jones’ work on Thursday night could be another step toward him being a legit consideration for the opener against Miami. Oh, and we’ll finally get to see him in a real QB number rather than the guard-like look of No. 50.
N’Keal Harry – In case you hadn’t heard, the former first-round pick is having a pretty darn good training camp. Harry has made plays and strung good practice days together. But seeing is believing, meaning the big receiver must continue to shine with the lights on in order to make people forget his first two forgettable NFL seasons.
Josh Uche – The second-year linebacker has been one of the talks of the New England defense dating back to spring OTAs. He appears very much in line for a proverbial Year 2 Jump. But pass rushing in shorts or even against QBs you can’t touch is tough to judge. Thursday, Uche’s speed, bend and athleticism will be on full display.
Jalen Mills – Most guys are on this list because of the upside potential they’ve shown in training camp. Not so much for Mills, who has struggled at times at cornerback opposite J.C. Jackson. Mills is a versatile veteran defensive back but may be miscast as an every down cornerback at this point in his career. If he struggles against Washington that only adds leverage to Stephon Gilmore’s drive for a new contract. With Gilmore out of the mix right now, corner is one of the few glaring questions on the rebuilt defense.
Rhamondre Stevenson – The big rookie running back has run really well in training camp practice. He’s quicker than you’d expect for a guy listed at 246 pounds. There are questions about his readiness in the passing game, but Stevenson has the look of a young runner who could shine with the ball in his hands in preseason game action.
Ja’Whuan Bentley – After a disappointing 2020 in which the team captain was thrust into a huge role on the undermanned defense that he didn’t seem ready for, Bentley has been really good on the practice field this summer. He’s looked leaner and more athletic – that could be aided by his switch to the slimming No. 8 jersey – and more comfortable working with veterans like Dont’a Hightower. With better talent around him, Bentley could be in line for a much better season.
Cam Newton – Wait, you didn’t think the energetic, engaging vet would make the list? How can he not if he’s battling for his job with Jones? Some wonder if Newton will even play on Thursday, but with just three healthy QBs on the roster and just three preseason games, he may have to even as Belichick’s verbally anointed starting quarterback. Game action allows Newton to utilize the remaining greatest strength to his game – his legs.
Seeing Newton run past or over a Washington defender just once or twice might change some feelings about how the QB competition should play out. Might.
Kyle Dugger – There are those who optimistically believe Dugger could become a Pro Bowl talent in 2021, just his second season. He clearly has the physical tools to increase his impact on the defense. He has had a very good summer, although he has been exposed in coverage at times on the practice field. Dugger will get his chance to show his versatile abilities in live action all over the field in his new Patrick Chung-inspired No. 23 jersey.
Watch out.
Quinn Nordin – OK, so watching a kicker work isn’t exactly exciting. But the undrafted rookie has shown a strong, relatively accurate leg in training camp practices. With veteran Nick Folk having missed practice time of late, Nordin will get his chances to show off in competitive game action assuming the offense moves the ball. Nordin could easily be the kicker of the future after the debacle that was 2020 fifth-round pick Justin Rohrwasser.
For the entire Off Day Podcast, with a review of the latest happenings from Patriots training camp as well as the look at ahead to preseason action, click here.