Felger & Mazz: How’d Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe Do?

Author James Stewart

August 21st, 2023 3:09 PM

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 19: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during the first half against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Paul Perillo from Patriots.com joined the Felger and Massarotti show on Monday with Tony Massarotti and Joe Murray. Tony, Paul and Joe gave their opinions on Mac Jones performance during the Patriots pre season game in Green Bay against the Packers.

TRANSCRIPT:

Mazz: Bill Belichick this morning when asked about the quarterback play on Saturday night. Says Mac is doing a good job at his part of it, it sounded to me. I don’t know, more comfortable with Mac Jones than I’ve heard Bill Belichick talk maybe all year so far. And I’m not telling you that he hasn’t, you know, been complimentary. Jones on other occasions, this one to me felt like a little bit more. I mean, he mentioned his name three or four times there, which he has, which again, he is not on it. And also, I would tell you that I thought, well, let me ask you, Paul, what you think Jones of Jones is playing on Saturday night.

Paul Perillo: I thought it was okay again. I think it was much like most of the other things that we talked about. I thought there were some signs, so I thought he checked out of a checked out of a situation. And that was the play, that reminder Stevenson ran for 23 yards. So obviously whatever he saw and checked two was the right decision. Well, certainly by the result of the play anyway, I even think, you know, to your side, Tony, you know, coming off that that soundbite that we just played from Belichick, I thought what he was trying to say that, you know it’s dependent on the other ten guys. I think he was trying to say without throwing anybody under the bus, you know, there were some protection issues. And so, a lot to deal with. And, you know, he still was able to stand in there. I thought the first two series until the first sack Mack did a good job of standing in the pocket, sort of climbing the pocket, moving around the bomb that he threw to Devante Parker that was incomplete was one of those I thought did a good job climbing the pocket and the pass protection wasn’t great, but I thought he dealt with it reasonably well. And then obviously the two sacks kind of ended those last two.

Mazz: I thought on a couple of those plays he almost got killed that ball to Bourne. There was a 17-yard reception.

Paul Perillo: He got hit as he threw that.

Mazz: He got drilled on that play. He got absolutely drilled. And I recognize they’re not in you know, they don’t have a full roster there as far as their offensive line is concerned. This made me feel worse about the offensive line on Saturday night than I did already.

Paul Perillo: Well, I’ll make you feel a little worse then, because if you think that, you know, it’s easy to look at it and say, Well, they don’t have Cole Strange and they don’t have Michael when you That’s absolutely true. And if those two guys go out there with David Andrews and Trent Brown, you’re probably going to be okay. But at this stage of the pre-season, it’s not a guarantee that what you saw Friday, Saturday night, they might need to open the season with. Correct. You know, some semblance of it. Now I think strange will be back and I think when you will be back and I’m based in the latter on the fact that a when you was with the team in Green Bay, I thought that was a really positive sign for a guy on PUP that wasn’t going to practice. The fact that they felt strongly enough to have him there, maybe we get him off pup this week and then he has a couple of weeks to get himself ready for game action. But if not, what you saw Saturday night could be the, the offensive line. And I thought it was important that Belichick got Mac Jones some reps behind that offensive line because it’s not going to get much better than that if that’s the case.

Mazz: If that’s a raw offensive line. Scary.

Paul Perillo: Yes.

Mazz: Scary. I thought he almost got killed on a couple of those plays. I’ll be honest with you, I came out of that feeling a little bit better about Jones than I did going in.

Paul Perillo: I thought he showed some good poise. I did. We do you know our ups and downs, too, on our game show. And I that was one of the points that I made in Mack’s favor, as I thought, you know, given what was around him, it was he wasn’t like he like Jordan Love got to stand back there and survey the field. The Patriots really didn’t put any pressure on. But I thought Mac dealt with a significant amount of pressure on most passes. And I thought for the most part, he handled himself well.

Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Kingsley Enagbare (55) forces a fumble by New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) during the second quarter of their preseason game at Lambeau Field. Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Mazz: Joe, how do you feel about Jones?

Joe Murray: I came away feeling better about Mac Jones than I normally have.

Paul Perillo: That’s a big statement from Joe.

Joe Murray: That’s right. But I’m fair. RPO first play on a slant. It looks like he’s been working on that all year. Bill O’Brien said some more bunches, which is going to help the offensive line. They have to get the ball out quick. A lot of misdirection in there as well. So that’s all new. They couldn’t even do that last year. They couldn’t figure that thing out on the fly. He got crushed in that third down completion to Bourne. That’s why I keep bringing up Bourne. I think that’s his guy. I think that’s the guy that he believes in the most. But there were some things I thought he wasn’t good at. Whenever something goes wrong, I think the next false start he finds Henry misses him completely. Maybe it was a Henry wrong move or whatever, but once things go wrong, then it’s the sack on the next play. That’s the one thing. And if you bring up Zippy, I feel like when he’s under pressure, he actually did well in this game. So although I do feel I do feel better about Mac Jones after watching.

Mazz: I thought he looked better than he did a year ago. I mean, that’s sort of what I’m basing it on at the moment. I thought his arm looked a little bit better too. The ball looked low, ball looked a little tighter to me in this game, and he stood in there and took some shots.

Paul Perillo: I do think he stood in there. And, you know, the one thing that Joel brings up to me I’m going to have my eyes on, because it does seem like that’s where it’s trending is. You know, I think Bourne might be the guy that replaces Jacoby Myers as the guy that he targets the most. You know, we’ll see how it unfolds during the course of the year. But I still haven’t really seen a whole lot from Juju Smith-Schuster and Devante Parker. To me, as a guy, you’re going to take some shots with you, going to go back, shoulders, you’re going to go, you know, the play that they ran down the field is a play they had some success with last year down the field, down that deep post, and then some fades in the end zone. I think that’s what you’re going to see out of Devante Parker. Maybe he makes some big plays, but I don’t think the volume will be there. I think Bourne’s the guy. That could be the volume guy.

James Stewart is the Executive Producer of the Felger and Massarotti radio program. Better known as Jimmy Stewart, because it’s a Wonderful Life, Jimmy has been enhancing talent in the media since 2000 when his radio career began at WEEI. During his producing career, he has been part of 8 NAB Marconi Radio Award-winning teams. He is one of only two active producers to have produced for all five major sports teams in New England. He hosts the Stick to Wrestling podcast and is the self-proclaimed Wrestling Tribal Chief of the Boston Territory. James writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.

Listen to Felger and Mazz from 2-6 every Monday-Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with hosts Mike Felger, Tony “Mazz” Massarotti, and Jim Murray “Big Jim”. You can listen live in the Sports Hub App and subscribe to their podcasts here. Follow @FelgerAndMazz on Twitter to keep up with the show!

Patriots roster projection 3.0: Bubble coming into focus

With another New England Patriots preseason game in the books, it’s time for a new roster projection. After a week in Green Bay consisting of two joint practices and a preseason game, what’s changed since we last checked in on the roster following the preseason opener against the Houston Texans?

At this time of year, it’s important to remember that not every training camp practice is valued the same when it comes to player evaluation and making roster decisions. A non-padded practice in the first week of camp doesn’t carry nearly as much weight as joint practices later in the summer. The Patriots’ two joint practices this week represented the most high-intensity, highly-scrutinized reps the players have seen so far. With next weeks’ joint practices with the Titans being canceled, they should end up as the most important non-game reps of the summer.

Of course, game reps are important when it comes to figuring out the initial roster as well. Unlike last week, the Patriots played the majority of their roster in this game – as did the Packers. So not only did we get to see players fighting for depth chart spots as well as roster spots, but we got to see them against comparable competition.

Given all of that, where does the roster stand heading in to the final week of training camp? Which players put themselves in the best position with one preseason game left to play? And who could get left on the outside looking in? Let’s take a look with Roster Projection 3.0.

Note: Players are listed alphabetically by position, not as a projected depth chart. Rookies are in italics.

Quarterbacks (3)

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass during the first half against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

–Malik Cunningham
–Mac Jones
–Bailey Zappe

Still no changes here. Although we didn’t get to see Cunningham at QB in Saturday night’s game, we played plenty of wide receiver and got a chance to return a kickoff as well. That, combined with his continued involvement during joint practices as a package player makes it clear the Patriots do have a plan for him in 2023. We just don’t know what it is yet, and won’t until the regular season begins.

Changes from Roster Projection 2.0: None
Running backs (3)

Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) greets teammates before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

–Ezekiel Elliott
–Rhamondre Stevenson
–Pierre Strong

Last week we went a little off the grid and included a ‘TBD’ running back in the projection. That turned out to be the right call, as we can formalize Elliott into that spot this week.

After Elliott and Stevenson though, this group is one of the toughest to project. Strong still gets the nod because it’s rare for a fourth-round pick to be cut after just one season, and he adds a much-needed speed element the other two backs here don’t. However, if he can’t get healthy soon he could face a challenge for that spot.

That could come from fellow 2022 draft pick Kevin Harris, although his skillset overlaps heavily with Elliott and Stevenson. There could also be a case made for J.J. Taylor, who does have more of a passing-down skillset and was one of the Patriots’ best players on Saturday night. At the same time, given the fact that the Patriots could probably get Taylor, Harris, or even potentially Ty Montgomery to the practice squad, it’s still very possible they’re initial cuts and then brought back later on as practice squad elevations or signed if players go on IR.

Changes from 2.0: Replaced ‘TBD running back’ with Ezekiel Elliott
Wide receivers (6)

Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshoun Boutte (80) gestures after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

–Kendrick Bourne
–Kayshon Boutte
–Demario Douglas
–DeVante Parker
–JuJu Smith-Schuster
–Tyquan Thornton

The entire week in Green Bay, but Saturday night especially, was a strong affirmation that the idea the Patriots could keep six wide receivers is alive and well. They certainly have six NFL-caliber wide receivers, it’s just a matter of making the numbers work with the rest of the roster – which we’ve done here.

Boutte and Douglas both flashed significantly against the Packers. Meanwhile, Thornton suffered a shoulder injury on Thursday that resulted in him not dressing for the game, and his injury has since been qualified as “week-to-week.” It would be surprising to see Thornton get cut given his status as a second-year second-round pick, but his spot on the depth chart is slipping and will continue to slip if he continues to miss time. If Thornton needs to spend time on IR, that should almost guarantee both rookie receivers make the team.

Changes from 2.0: None
Tight ends (2)

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

–Mike Gesicki
–Hunter Henry

Despite Gesicki’s shoulder injury that could put his Week 1 status in doubt, we’re sticking with just two tight ends on the initial roster. Why? Because none of the depth tight ends have shown enough where the Patriots would risk losing them trying to get them on the practice squad. Whoever ends up winning the third tight end battle (Anthony Firkser seems to have the edge for Matt Sokol right now) could be released and brought back on the practice squad, or brought back outright after another player is placed on IR.

Changes from 2.0: None
Offensive linemen (9)

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive lineman Sidy Sow (61) lines up against the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

–C David Andrews
–C/G Jake Andrews
–T Trent Brown
–G Atonio Mafi
–T Conor McDermott
–G/T Mike Onwenu
–T/G Riley Reiff
–T/G Sidy Sow
–G Cole Strange

Sow is back on our roster after plugging in at right tackle for the majority of the week since that Houston game. If the plan isn’t for him to start at right tackle, the Patriots seem to at least want him to factor in there somehow.

The other big question here is what happens with players still on the inactive lists with the season quickly approaching. We have Onwenu on the roster right now despite the fact he’s still on PUP. If he begins the season on that list, it could mean either the Patriots keeping eight offensive linemen or potentially open up a spot for 2022 sixth-round pick Chasen Hines, who has looked good.

At tackle, Calvin Anderson remains on NFI. If he is activated in time and is in game shape, he could push McDermott for the third tackle spot.

Changes from 2.0: ADDED Sidy Sow
Defensive linemen (6)

Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, WI, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (92) tackles Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (28) during their preseason football game at Lambeau Field. Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports

–Christian Bamore
–Daniel Ekuale
–Davon Godchaux
–Lawrence Guy
–Keion White
–Deatrich Wise

We reach the position of another player right on the Patriots’ roster bubble – nose tackle Carl Davis. One one hand, the Patriots struggled against the run on Saturday night which could be a sign they need more big bodies in the middle of their defensive line. On the other hand, Davis was on the field for many of those plays, and struggled to close lanes at the point of attack.

Davis is still very much in the picture to earn a roster spot with the Patriots. But for now, we have him just off the roster and a likely candidate to come back via a veteran practice squad spot.

Changes from 2.0: None
Linebackers (7)

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) waits on the snap of the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

–Ja’Whaun Bentley
–Chris Board
–Anfernee Jennings
–Matthew Judon
–Marte Mapu
–Jahlani Tavai
–Josh Uche

There’s very little overlap between the skill sets of players in this group, which is how so many linebackers end up making the roster. The Patriots would probably like to have Mack Wilson too as a potential backup/insurance plan for Mapu, but the cuts have to come somewhere. He ends up just off the initial roster.

Changes from 2.0: CUT Mack Wilson
Cornerbacks (5)

Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, WI, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Myles Bryant (27) breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) during their preseason football game at Lambeau Field. Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports

–Myles Bryant
–Christian Gonzalez
–Jack Jones
–Jonathan Jones
–Marcus Jones

The Patriots are clearly trying to find an answer for a third true boundary corner behind Gonzalez and Jack Jones (that role is currently held by Jonathan Jones, who should return to being the team’s top slot corner this year). Shaun Wade and rookie Ameer Speed are in contention for that spot, as was Isaiah Bolden before Saturday night’s injury. One of those players could hold that spot from the practice squad and be elevated as needed, but to this point nobody has impressed enough to win the spot with a 53-man roster placement.

Changes from 2.0: None
Safeties (5)

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Josiah Deguara #81 of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by Jalen Mills #2 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

–Joshuah Bledsoe
–Kyle Dugger
–Jalen Mills
–Jabrill Peppers
–Adrian Phillips

Bledsoe sneaks on the roster here. for now He played wire-to-wire in the Patriots’ preseason opener then was second on the team in snaps Saturday night with 41. The Patriots clearly like him, and he sticks around.

Changes from 2.0: ADD Joshuah Bledsoe
Specialists (4)

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (38) kicks the ball to the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

–K Nick Folk
–K Chad Ryland
–P Bryce Baringer
–LS Joe Cardona

That’s right, the two kicker talk isn’t going anywhere. The Patriots split the reps evenly between Folk and Ryland on Saturday night, a sign that the competition still exists. Yet it is highly unlikely they’ll part ways with Ryland – every healthy Patriots fourth-round pick in the Bill Belichick era has made the initial roster as a rookie. That all leaves the possibility of the team initially keeping two kickers – Folk as the short field goal kicker and Ryland as a kickoff and long field goal specialist – on the table.

Meanwhile, Baringer bounced back from a rough couple of days in Green Bay with a very good performance in Saturday night’s game. He’s still the leader for the punter job.

Changes from 2.0: None
Special teamers (3)

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Calvin Munson (43) in game action during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

–Calvin Munson
–Brenden Schooler
–Matthew Slater

On one hand, the Patriots seem ready to carry less dedicated special teams coverage players than usual after releasing Jourdan Heilig and DaMarcus Mitchell last week. At the same time, Munson has been getting a ton of run not only with the special teams units, but also the top defensive units as a reserve linebacker. He’s another player the Patriots clearly have a plan for, so expect him to stick around.

Changes from 2.0: ADD Calvin Munson, CUT Jourdan Heilig, DaMarcus Mitchell
Bubble watch

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Last 3 on:

–K Nick Folk
–OT Conor McDermott
–S Joshuah Bledsoe

Last 3 off:

–LB Mack Wilson
–DL Carl Davis
–RB J.J. Taylor
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].