Tweets from training camp: Mac Jones, defense, and more
Zolak, Ted Johnson and Hardy were high above the practice field at Gillette Stadium as day two of Patriots training camp wrapped up. As the players came off the field, the assembled media shared their notes and observations. Here are some of the highlights of what happened during another productive day in Foxboro:
Only one attendance change for the Patriots today, with Deatrich Wise not spotted during the early portion of practice
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 28, 2022
Matt Patricia was the primary play-caller again today, but it looked like there were times where Joe Judge and Bill Belichick each made some calls as well.
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 28, 2022
Joe Judge radioed in plays with a walkie-talkie during the first 7-on-7 period, but since then, it's been Matt Patricia. Patricia also appeared to be the primary play-caller yesterday. Looks like the clear favorite to handle those duties this season.
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) July 28, 2022
Swung by #Patriots training camp again today. No. 24 S/SCB Joshuah Bledsoe is an early standout. I've seen him involved in five forced incompletions in two days. 2021 sixth-round pick out of Missouri.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) July 28, 2022
One of the early standouts of Patriots training camp has been second-year safety Joshuah Bledsoe. Now up to five PBUs through two practices.
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) July 28, 2022
Bledsoe didn't play at all as a rookie sixth-round pick.
Defense is dominating right now. Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe are a combined 0/10 between three red zone periods. Jones was 16/17 before
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) July 28, 2022
Mac Jones went 6-of-6 in the first 7-on-7 period. Mostly short, simple stuff, but Hunter Henry made a nice catch on a fade with Kyle Dugger in coverage.
— Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff) July 28, 2022
Dominant performance by the Patriots' defense in the final red-zone 11-on-11. Forced 10 consecutive incompletions before a short TD to Hunter Henry on the last play of practice.
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) July 28, 2022
During that period, good reps by Marcus Jones, Jack Jones and Malcolm Butler at corner. Jalen Mills and Josh Bledsoe had PBUs.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) July 28, 2022
Some scramble drill attempts from Patriots QBs, indicating early reads weren’t there for those guys. Good way for the defense to finish off Day 2. https://t.co/3FADIP6naq
Mac Jones was an efficient 12-for-13 in 7-on-7s but just 5-for-11 in 11s as the Patriots' defense stepped up.
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) July 28, 2022
Rookie Bailey Zappe continued to be erratic: 6/10 in 7s, 2/7 in 11s.
No competitive reps for Brian Hoyer today.
Mac Jones and DeVante Parker just executed a perfect low back shoulder concept in the red zone to beat Jalen Mills. Jones and Parker picking up where they left off yesterday.
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 28, 2022
Mac Jones finishes 11/18 in 11v11s and 6/6 in 7v7s. He ended practice going 1/7.
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) July 28, 2022
Bailey Zappe goes 5/12 in 11v11s and 3/6 in 7v7s.
Defense won the last three periods for sure.
Terrance Mitchell stays with Jalen Mills at corner. Mills had a couple of solid pass breakups.
— Paul Perillo (@pfwpaul) July 28, 2022
Late red zone work was particularly dominated by the defense. Only a Henry TD on the last play prevented a completed blanking. Lots of tight coverage
— Paul Perillo (@pfwpaul) July 28, 2022
Mac Jones started the day 16-of-17 in team drills, but finished 1-for-7 in red zone 11-on-11 with music blasting. Went 17-of-24 overall.
— Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff) July 28, 2022
Defense dominated final period, but gave up a completion on the last play, so they had to do the push-ups anyway.
Patriots 2nd practice quick hits:
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 28, 2022
🏈 Safety Joshuah Bledsoe (2021 sixth round, Missouri) in area of 3 PBUs, reflecting a productive start to camp
🏈 Defense dominates final 11-on-11 red-zone drill (just 1 TD) as music blasts
🏈 Terrance Mitchell sticks at old J.C. Jackson spot
The order has consistently been Harris, Stevenson, Taylor and then everyone else. https://t.co/PVcj5vqbfg
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) July 28, 2022
J.J. Taylor, Rhamondre Stevenson and Nelson Agholor returned kickoffs today. Believe that's the first time we've seen Agholor in that role.
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) July 28, 2022
.@MacJones_10 made a young fan’s birthday very special🙌🏽 #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/hSsaPYTGxX
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) July 28, 2022
If you want to hear more of the conversation, tune into the second hour of Zolak & Bertrand to hear the full discussion. It can be found here: Follow @ZoandBertrand on Twitter and @zoandbertrand on Instagram to keep up with the show!
