Patriots training camp notebook: Quarterback separation on Day 2

Author Alex Barth

July 29th, 2021 1:59 PM

After unspectacular performances from the quarterbacks on Day 1 of Patriots training camp, there was a clear winner on Day 2. Cam Newton closed the session strong, while Mac Jones struggled down the stretch.

Both players started the day on the right foot. Newton got the majority of reps in team drills, and had a much better start than he did on Wednesday. Jones had some flashes as well, including line drive he zipped by Kyle Van Noy to connect with Matt LaCosse in the end zone.

However, once the final red zone period began the two went in different directions. Newton completed 4-of-5 passes, including a perfectly placed ball to Brandon Bolden on the side of the end zone. He also threw two touchdowns to Hunter Henry, who he seems to be focusing on through two days of practice.

Meanwhile, Jones completed just 2-of-9 throws during the period, with two passes being knocked down by defenders. Jones seemed visibly frustrated with his performance.

Overall, Newton finished the day 9-of-15, while Jones was 8-of-15, with the telling last period. There’s a long way to go before a decision on the Week 1 starter has to be made, but Newton was the better quarterback on Thursday.

Here’s more from Day 2 of Patriots training camp…

• More on the quarterbacks

  Share

  While Newton and Jones continue to battle it out for the top spot on the depth chart, Brian Hoyer continues to enjoy an expanded role with Jarrett Stidham on PUP. Hoyer once again had an unbalanced advantage in number of reps, and finished the day 11-of-13.
  
  With Stidham out for an indefinite amount of time, and potentially needing shoulder surgery, the Patriots claimed Jake Dolegala off waivers on Wednesday. Dolegala was present for Thursday's practice, but didn't take any reps in team drills.
  
  "We just thought it would be a good to have another quarterback activated and participate in the camp," Belichick said Thursday morning when asked about Dolegala. "Jarrett Stidham will miss a little bit of time, so we'll have Jake in here."

• Focus on the run

  Share

  In addition to more red zone work - which has been the main theme through the first two days of practice - Thursday's session featured a focus on the running game in team drills, especially early. Damien Harris and Sony Michel split the bulk of the carries. Bolden was involved often as well.
  
  Generally, that focus on the run doesn't come until the third or fourth day of practice, when the team can wear full pads. But with that window now pushed back - Belichick confirmed Thursday morning that the earliest the team can wear pads is Tuesday - it's possible the team didn't want to wait that long to work on the ground game.
  
  It's hard to evaluate the trenches without pads, so it's too early to say who looked good or who didn't in that phase of practice. "All we have on is helmets," Belichick said when asked about the intensity of practice.  "When we're allowed to wear [pads], we'll wear them."

• WR competition heating up

  Share

  The Patriots' wide receiver group is playing out as competitive as expected. Nelson Agholor appeared to be the best player of the group on Day 1, but Kendrick Bourne is right on his heels. Bourne seemed to be a constant target on Thursday, including a couple of catches on curl routes that are a staple of the Patriots' offense.
  
  Although he didn't have the volume Bourne did, Jakobi Meyers had a strong day as well. With wide receiver snaps limited in a projected 12 personnel-heavy offense, it's still unclear which of the top three guys will be the odd man out.
• Harvey Langi’s impressive sequence

  Share

  There's also plenty of jockeying for position for the depth middle linebacker spot behind Dont'a Hightower. Raekwon McMillan was featured in that spot on Day 1, but on Thursday it was Harvey Langi taking over the role.
  
  Langi's best sequence came in red zone 11-on-11's. He recorded a combo sack with Josh Uche in red zone 11-on-11's, then broke up a pass intended for Jonnu Smith on the next play. On a day where the tight ends dominated, that string of plays stood out.

• Play(s) of the day

  Share

  Speaking of tight ends dominating, Troy Fumagalli has a trio of standout catches throughout practice. That included winning a pair of 50/50 balls, and snagging a bullet from Brian Hoyer while running along the back line of the end zone.
  
  With Devin Asiasi out due to COVID and Dalton Keene on PUP, there's room one of the Patriots' many depth tight ends to insert themselves into the battle for the third and final roster spot at the position.  If Fumagalli continues to play like he did on Thursday, he could be that guy.

• Laps, laps, laps

  Share

  There were a number of laps run at Thursday's Patriots practice, and they all seemed to happen around the same time in the middle of the session. J.C. Jackson started things off, followed by Gunner Olszewski, who muffed a punt on the last kick of the period. On the first play of the following period, Deatrich Wise and Davon Godchaux jumped offsides, adding two more laps to the total.
• Notable quotables

  Share

  Bill Belichick on having fans back at training camp: "It's more like a normal camp. A lot different than last year, so it's good to see everyone out here. There's a good level of enthusiasm and energy, but we really have to focus on what we're trying to accomplish on the field and whatever happens in the stands, happens in the stands. We can't really control that. We need to have a good practice and do the things we are working on. That's really what we need to do."
  
  Ted Karras on returning to New England: "Yeah, this is a business and that was a great opportunity for me last year and I got another great opportunity this year to come back. It’s crazy how life works and business works sometimes. Very glad to be back. Good to see all my old friends and get back to work."
  
  Nelson Agholor on learning the Patriots' playbook: "It’s just studying, man. It’s a grind. It’s not easy. If you do it well, and you stay consistent with it, you help yourself have more opportunities...All the different, old-school learning ways. I study with flash cards. Repetitive. Say it to yourself. Whatever way you can do it."
  
  Damien Harris on playing in a 'smashmouth' offense:  "I love it. Guys come out here to be physical, like I said, just setting a tone, setting an identity. When we step on the field, we just want to come out and dominate the guys across from us. It doesn’t matter who it is, who we play, that’s our mentality. We don’t want to be the guys who get pushed around. We want to be the guys that come out, play hard, play fast, start fast, create a strong identity as an offense each and every time we step on the field."
  
  Davon Godchaux on Matt Judon: "Real answer: I’ve always been a big fan of Matthew Judon. Watching him in Baltimore, I always thought he was kind of like Terrell Suggs, kind of like a dirty player but big, aggressive, good player. Never told anyone that, but I’ve always been a big a fan of his game, coming off the edge, talking trash, hitting the quarterback. Always been a fan of his game. Glad to have him on the side of me on the defensive line. That’s a big help. When I heard he signed I was like, ‘Man, I’m so happy.’ He’s gonna be bringing a lot of juice at the edge, so I’m very excited about him. I don’t know what kind of things he said about me, but I’m very excited about having him on the team."
  
  Matt Judon on his first practice with the Patriots: "I love it. I’m learning every day and I’m just embracing and diving into the culture. I’m still trying to learn everybody’s name and plays and where to go and how we do things. I’m really enjoying it."
  
  Kyle Dugger evaluating his rookie year: "Below average. That's really all I can say. It was fun to get the experience and be out there, but it wasn't a great year."

For more on Day 2 of training camp, check out the recap podcast featuring Matt Dolloff.

MORE: Day 1 Patriots training camp notebook

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

Get The 98.5 The Sports Hub Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Stay up to date with the latest Boston sports news and analysis, local events, exclusive contests, and more.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

Author Alex Barth

Category:

• Patriots
• Alex Barth
• Columns
• News
• Sports
• The Sports Hub

Tags:

Alex Barth,Bill Belichick,Cam Newton,Mac Jones,New England Patriots,NFL,patriots