New England Patriots Training Camp: What we know so far- As the New England Patriots have completed their fifth day of the 2023 training camp, we’ve received a smidgen of insight into the 2023/24 season. In today’s article, we’ll recap some crucial moments and the vital information we’ve learned thus far.
Christian Gonzalez: The top draft pick will be a starter
The first-string defense of the Patriots has consistently included their top draft pick, who has participated in all five initial practices. While there have been instances where Gonzalez struggled in coverage and was targeted by Mac Jones during one of the 11-on-11 drills, the 21-year-old has successfully defended against multiple passes and has demonstrated his ability to compete against older and more experienced wide receivers.
Jonathan Jones occupied the other outside cornerback position in two of these sessions, while Marcus Jones did so in one. On the other hand, Jack Jones has exclusively played with the backup players. It will be intriguing to observe whether this talented second-year professional can secure a spot in the starting lineup as training camp progresses and whether his upcoming court appearance will affect his availability.
No.1 Quarterback
Mac Jones has consistently been the sole participant in competitive drills during the first five practices. He hopes to become the first Patriots QB post-Brady to delight pre-season future bettors with a Patriots Super Bowl-winning ticket – a wager best achieved when utilizing Massachusetts sports betting promos. Meanwhile, the backups, Bailey Zappe, and Trace McSorley, have exclusively focused on training with the offensive reserves. In addition, Jones was among the 12 players commended for their efforts during New England’s offseason program.
An evolving offense
The defense has emerged as the stronger unit thus far, benefiting from the structure of these early practices, which have exclusively focused on red-zone work. On the other hand, O’Brien has brought a refreshing level of precision and fluidity to New England’s offense.
Tight end Mike Gesicki astutely observed that after day two’s practice, there had been minimal occurrences of false starts, alignment errors, or blown assignments. While these may seem like basic expectations, they signify promising progress compared to last year’s offensive struggles.
Although we still need to see a more comprehensive demonstration of O’Brien’s offensive strategies when Bill Belichick allows for more flexibility during practice, early indications hint at a reliance on frequent utilization of two-tight end sets and empty formations.
A Running back is required ASAP.
New England’s connection to almost every prominent free agent running back is not unexpected. Apart from the talented Rhamondre Stevenson, who is set to return, the Patriots have other options in Pierre Strong, Kevin Harris, J.J. Taylor, and Ty Montgomery, who, unfortunately, is currently dealing with an injury. However, their current group lacks the necessary depth. Bringing in Ezekiel Elliott, who recently met with the team, would be a valuable addition, even if he is no longer at his peak All-Pro level.
Will this rookie join the roster?
Smith-Schuster, Parker, Thornton, and Bourne are currently the top four wide receivers. However, Demario Douglas is significantly ahead of other potential candidates for the WR5 position on New England’s roster. The rookie from Liberty, drafted in the sixth round, has consistently practiced with the first-string offense and has demonstrated his agility and effectiveness as a slot receiver during team drills.
How about that offensive tackle?
Trent Brown has resumed his position at left tackle after being absent during most of the spring training. However, it remains uncertain who will be the starting right tackle. Riley Reiff and Conor McDermott have been practicing with the first team in that position, but Reiff’s performance has been subpar. Calvin Anderson will also be considered for the role once he recovers from the non-football injury list. Enhancing the Patriots’ offense cannot be achieved without a more reliable offensive line. Therefore, this unit must perform better than it did last year.
Top receivers are standing tall.
Hunter Henry, the tight end, has been the primary focus of Jones during the summer. The expected starting wide receivers, JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker, have also received significant attention.
However, three other key pass-catchers for the Patriots have been noticeably quiet. Gesicki, Kendrick Bourne, and Tyquan Thornton didn’t make a catch in competitive 11-on-11 drills through the initial three sessions.
After three practices, Jones has completed 70% of his throws when targeting Henry in 11-on-11 situations but only 40% when throwing to other players. Since the Patriots don’t have a clear number one wide receiver, like DeAndre Hopkins would have been if the deal had gone through, New England will need consistent player production throughout their depth chart.