Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a drill: Tre Nixon really is lighting up Patriots' spring practices, and it's not just a play here or there, either.
Nixon had the team's best play of the game for the second day in a row as the offense struck back with a strong performance on Day 2 of mandatory minicamp. This time, it was the offense bringing the energy after the defense had the upper hand with intensity on Tuesday, and the explosive plays followed as a result.
Also, a few more patterns are starting to take shape, including a big one on the offensive line so far. But first...
--This was Nixon's day, first and foremost. He had two more massive plays on passes from Mac Jones -- one on a corner route almost identical to Tuesday's big play, losing Shaun Wade completely at the line of scrimmage, and an eye-popping grab on a deep ball with Jon Jones all over him. It looked like Jones had his left arm pinned as Nixon tried to track it, but Nixon pinned it against his chest with his right hand anyway, sending the offense into a frenzy.
But it's not just about the big plays. Nixon's been open consistently on any kind of route and has displayed fluidity in drills that highlights what a guy with an elite three-cone time can do as a receiver when he puts everything together. Quite simply, he's been one of the best players in Patriots' practice this spring. Also, he has such a strong rapport with Mac Jones that he's been running with the top offensive units almost every time Jones is on the field.
--Mac Jones was once again on fire Wednesday. The second-year quarterback arguably had just one truly poor throw all day with a couple of incompletions, including one pass that got picked off by Malcolm Butler, coming off of drops. Other than that, he was on point with almost every throw he made at every level of the defense.
In addition to his big shots to Nixon, he also had a deep dime to Nelson Agholor along the left sideline that the veteran receiver made an excellent grab on against tight coverage from rookie Jack Jones. Tracking the ball was a bit of an issue for Agholor at points last season, but he made the difficult catch look easy there and got one knee inbounds before landing out. He connected with Jonnu Smith on another deep corner route as well, with the athletic tight end snagging it over Kyle Dugger much to Mac Jones and Damien Harris' delight.
These are the kinds of throws Jones wouldn't attempt in 2021 as he placed a stronger emphasis on protecting the football and limiting turnovers. Combine his increased understanding of the offense with his willingness to test his arm, which he's been working on during and after practice, and he's giving a glimpse of how he can change things for the Patriots' offense this season.
--Tyquan Thornton put together another solid day and got his first deep completion of camp. He torched Myles Bryant off the line of scrimmage and flew by the cornerback on a go-route from Brian Hoyer, then dove to catch a ball that was a bit out in front of him. As impressive as his speed is -- and it is truly impressive. He makes everyone look like they're walking when he's at top speed -- his hands have been no less impressive. Balls haven't been hitting the turf when they go Thornton's way.
He also could be seen picking Hoyer’s brain on how to run some routes during team drills a day after getting a little reprimand from the veteran quarterback about running a wrong route. Aside from Bill Belichick, there's no one better versed in the Patriots' offense than Hoyer, so it's good to see the rookie seeking out the veteran's advice.
--Isaiah Wynn once again lined up exclusively at right tackle for a second straight day with Trent Brown manning the left tackle spot. When asked about it after practice, Wynn alternated between smiling it off -- "I'll play wherever they need me to play, playa!" he responded at one point -- or tersely telling reporters to ask Belichick about his role.
Though Belichick also tried to downplay Wynn playing right tackle as the team establishing "depth" at positions, it's worth noting Wynn has almost never played anywhere else during his NFL career. The Patriots certainly shuffle players in and out of certain positions during camp, especially receiver and defensive back. But the starting offensive line typically remains more static even in early spring practices. So it's hard not to think a more permanent switch to right tackle for Wynn could be in the offing.
--The offense won the day, but the defense still had its moments. Malcolm Butler came up with the pick of Mac Jones on a ball Kendrick Bourne dropped and tipped into the air. (Speaking of Bourne, he had a bit of a tough return to practice after missing the first day of minicamp, running the wrong route a couple of times and stumbling on the play in question). Also, Jack Jones got Agholor back for beating him on that deep completion by stripping him the football from the receiver the next time they faced each other. The two players are both USC alums and have traded metaphorical blows a few times in practice.
--Cole Strange really does only know one speed for how to play. For the second day in a row, he mixed it up with defensive players after trying to go for the ball after an offensive turnover. Tuesday, it was him taking out Matthew Judon while attempting to recover yet another Agholor fumble. On Wednesday, he pursued Butler after the defensive back's interception and wrapped him up. He didn't take Butler to the ground, though, which is an improvement. Next time, a pat on the hip will do, rook.
--Belichick was hands-off at practice Wednesday, leaving Matt Patricia, Joe Judge and the coordinators to run the show while the head coach spoke with visiting coaches from other schools. All in all, the arrangement seemed mostly what it was yesterday: Judge coaching up the quarterbacks (and occasionally the receivers) while running 7-on-7s while Patricia appeared to take command during team segments.
