Nothing interests Patriots fans more than seeing how second-year quarterback Mac Jones and the offense looks heading into the 2022 season. But they may have to wait a bit.
Patriots beat reporter Mike Reiss of ESPN tweeted, “Based on [Tuesday’s] practice, it would be a surprise to me if Mac Jones plays on Thursday night.” So, it could be one more week until we see the highly touted QB take the field and give a small glimpse of what this reportedly struggling offense looks like with all the parts in place.
In the absence of Jones, veteran Brian Hoyer and rookie Bailey Zappe will take on the quarterbacking duties in Thursday’s preseason game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium.
Zolak: What I'm watching in preseason opener Thursday
Gillette Stadium following the Patriots in-stadium training camp practice. (Alex Barth/98.5 The Sports Hub)
Here’s a look at what Zolak & Bertrand host and Patriots radio play-by-play man Scott Zolak is looking for in the preseason opener on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium…
Are Belichick and Daboll On Same Page?
As Bill Belichick said this week absolutely zero game-planning goes into these type of games but he does have a history with Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll. I’m sure they will speak before the game and take care of each other. When I say take care of each other, I mean the ones will go against the ones, twos will go against the twos and so on.
Expect Mac Jones To Play
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and wide receiver Nelson Agholor during Patriots training camp at the Gillette Stadium practice field on July 27, 2022. (Syndication: Providence Journal)
I do expect Mac Jones to play at least a series. I think everybody does get out there and play in this game based on the way the offense has looked, all the prior eleven practices. I think it’s imperative you get out there in a live game situation, move the football, get at least an eight or ten play drive, try to put some points on the board and get feeling good about yourself offensively.
UPDATE: ESPN’s Mike Reiss is reporting Mac Jones and most of the starters will NOT play in Thursday’s game against the Giants.
QB Mac Jones and most Patriots starters aren't expected to play in tonight's preseason opener, sources tell me and @DanGrazianoESPN.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 11, 2022
Joint practices against the Panthers next week, then the Raiders the following week.Defense vs Sneaky Talented Giants Offense
Jul 29, 2022; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) directs his team as running back Saquon Barkley (26) watches during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Facility.
Defensively, you want guys get out there, stay up off the ground, move around and cover receivers. I talked to Mike Giardi of the NFL Network and he tells me the Giants have made some plays in camp. They’re not a good roster, but they do have some good offensive talent. They have some experience with Daniel Jones as the quarterback and with this Patriots front and all the new guys in there.
Devante Parker and Kendrick Bourne
Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) walks onto the field during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
A couple guys that I’m looking forward to watching here, obviously, Devante Parker, the new guy. I want to see Kendrick Bourne, who a lot of people feel like struggled, to see if he could get something going.
Jonnu Smith
Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (81) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots need a productive Jonnu Smith in 2022. They’ve got to get production out of that second tight end position.
CB Opposite Jalen Mills
Jul 30, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills (2) walks to the practice field at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Defensively I’m looking forward to the corner matchups. Who’s opposite Jalen Mills when he’s in there with those first safeties, meaning Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger and Devin McCourty.
Raekwon McMillan and Josh Uche
Jul 28, 2021; Foxborough, MA, United States; New England Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan (46) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) walks to the practice field at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
It’s going to be fun to see McMillan and Uche in some live game reps. It will be interesting to see how the two Linebackers are deployed in the quicker defense.