The Patriots kick off the next phase of the summer NFL preparation process with the preseason opener against the Texans Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
There will be plenty to watch for in this early-August battle that some in Houston are billing as the “Billy O Bowl” as Bill O’Brien returns to New England as offensive coordinator facing off against a Houston squad where he was the head coach for the better part of a decade.
No, you aren’t likely to see Mac Jones or the bulk of the top New England talent, Bill Belichick noting earlier this week “the players who are least experienced will get the most playing time.”
But before we turn our attention to the preseason action built around the back end of the current 90-man roster, here are a dozen thoughts from a dozen training camp practices this summer in Foxborough.
1 – The offensive line is the biggest story: For better or worse, the offensive line may decide what O’Brien’s offense can accomplish this season. Through two weeks of camp, it’s been a mess mostly because of personnel issues. David Andrews is the only projected starter taking the bulk of the reps. Left tackle Trent Brown said he’s dealing with an injury. Cole Strange suffered a left leg issue in practice. Mike Onwenu remains on PUP. As such it’s been hard to really assess Jones and the passing game that’s been under too much and too consistent pressure. The offensive line needs to get healthy and get to work proving it will be good enough to allow the passing game to progress and produce.
2 – Mac Jones is having fun: Jones has spoken about a focus on having more fun and enjoying himself on the football field. Observationally, he seems to be doing just that. No, not everything has been perfect for him or his offense. But, Jones has brought positive energy throughout practices. And there is certainly a greater level of competency and potential to his passing game at this very early point in the process. Jones has a lot to prove, but so far the pressure isn’t manifesting itself in any sort of frustration or negative energy. Not even close.
3 – Hunter Henry is ready to roll: New England’s returning tight end has probably been the most consistent positive member of the offense since camp opened. Henry spoke about dropping some weight this offseason and that might be giving him a bit more bounce in his practice step.
Jones and Henry had a great rapport two years ago and the duo appears poised to rekindle that productive connection in 2023. Mike Gesicki is getting a lot of hype, but Henry remains the best tight end on the roster.
4 – Tight ends could be real deal combo: Speaking of Gesicki, he shook off a slow start to camp and has been making plays of late, including a one-handed grab that’s the best catch of the summer. He may not live up to the hype that’s gotten to be a bit much, but it looks like Henry and Gesicki are poised to be a productive tight end tandem for O’Brien. No, it’s not Gronk and Hernandez but it should be better than Henry and Jonnu Smith. That’s a positive step.
5 – Wide receivers remain questionable: The DeAndre Hopkins dream never came to fruition. JuJu Smith-Schuster is the New England No. 1, apparently. Kendrick Bourne is looking to bounce back. Tyquan Thornton needs to break out. There remain plenty of questions regarding the Patriots wide receivers, both as individuals and as a collective, contributing group. Those questions will likely linger throughout the season.
6 – Sophomore RBs need to run with their chances: Rhamondre Stevenson is the Patriots’ best offensive player and will have to carry the load once again at the running back position. New England has courted potential veteran additions, but right now the depth chart is filled out by second-year players Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr. Each has had flashes in camp, but both probably need to prove their value on the preseason game field if they are going to earn significant roles. Harris, in particular, should be suited for full-speed, full-contact game action beginning against the Texans.
7 – The pass rush could elite: Yes, New England’s offensive line has been a mess. But part of what’s made it look so bad is what Josh Uche, Matthew Judon and the entire rest of the Patriots’ pass rush has been doing this summer. Between the proven edge options and versatile defensive linemen the front has a chance to have a massive impact on opposing offense and quarterbacks.
8 – The defense may hinge on CB play: As good as the pass rush has looked and should be, New England’s success on defense this season could very well hinge on the cornerback position. The group has limited depth and experience. It will potentially have two starting outside cornerbacks with a combined two NFL starts under their collective belt. There is potential, talent and upside for the young cornerbacks. But they have a lot to prove against what will be elite competition from Week 1 on.
9 – Christian Barmore’s potential is still real: Heading into his third NFL season, Barmore has elite upside on the New England defensive line. He remains as unique a combination of size and athleticism as maybe anyone on the roster. He’s fine-tuning his talent. He’s gaining experience. If Barmore stays healthy he has the potential to be the team’s breakout player who could lift the defense to new levels.
10 – Christian Gonzalez looks -- and needs to be -- NFL ready: The first-round pick has looked impressive in every area in his first NFL training camp. He’s slotted in as the No. 1 corner. He’s working hard and asking questions. He’s confident. He hasn’t been perfect but it’s been more positive than not by a landslide. Gonzalez is one of the most important guys on the roster and he’s off to a nice start.
11 – Rookie specialists good to go: The most physically impressive player on the field this summer might just be rookie punter Bryce Baringer. Rookie kicker Chad Ryland has been impressive as well. The two draft picks look to be well on the way to winning the jobs, and certainly have more raw physical potential than their veteran competitors. There is always some degree of uncertainty with rookies in the kicking game, but the two draft picks have gotten off to a very solid start and now must continue to shine in preseason game action.
12 – No special teams excuses: New England invested in the kicking game this offseason beyond just the drafted specialists. Chris Board was brought aboard months after Belichick called him one of the best special teamers in the game. Matthew Slater is back to lead the group. Joe Judge is overseeing all the action on the practice fields. There’s even young core blood in the likes of Jourdan Heilig, Isaiah Bolden and Ameer Speed trying to go down the road Brenden Schooler took a year ago in camp. Oh, and Marcus Jones remains as an All-Pro returner. There’s really no reason to expect the kicking game to be anything other than a strength this season as long as the rookie specialists can do their jobs.