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Fights! Zolak’s Day 1 thoughts from joint practices with the Carolina Panthers

Day one of joint practices with the Carolina Panthers is in the books. Intensity was ramped up to the maximum and the Patriots look pretty good today. Offensively, you’re headed…

Scott Zolak watching joint practices at Gillette Stadium

Scott Zolak watching joint practices at Gillette Stadium

Jim Louth/98.5 The Sports Hub

Day one of joint practices with the Carolina Panthers is in the books. Intensity was ramped up to the maximum and the Patriots look pretty good today. Offensively, you're headed in the right direction.

Jakobi Meyers Popped Today

Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

I thought Mac Jones did a good job connecting with Devante Parker today on a couple 50/50 balls. Mac also hit Jakobi Meyers on a few plays. Meyers popped a little bit in this practice.

Jonnu Smith Steps Up

L-R: Patriots tight ends Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith. (Paul Rutherford- USA TODAY Sports)

L-R: Patriots tight ends Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith. (Paul Rutherford- USA TODAY Sports)

I thought Jonnu Smith stepped up a little bit today. Hunter Henry left early with an injury, which create a lot of opportunities for Smith and he took advantage in the team periods.

Fights Headlined Practice

Patriots Joint Practices with the Carolina Panthers

Patriots Joint Practices with the Carolina Panthers

The big talk of practice were the two big scrums between the Patriots and Panthers players. the first starter with Kristian Wilkerson catching the ball in front of the sideline. I think he got pushed by a Panthers defensive coach and he said something to him. It sparked the Panthers to start a melee where the other field emptied out pretty much like a baseball fight, where they come out of the dugout and the bullpen. It took a lot to get it separated. Both Bill Belichick and Carolina Head Coach Matt Rhule were ticked off. Kendrick Bourne threw a punch. He was ejected along with Wilkerson.

Tyler Milliken started out at the Sports Hub as an intern in 2020 for the Zolak & Bertrand program before eventually becoming the associate producer in late 2021. He often joins the baseball conversation on Zolak & Bertrand and is a contributor to The Baseball Hour throughout the season. Along with that, he has been a co-host on DraftKings Name Redacted Podcast with Jared Carrabis for the last two years, where they cover everything going on with the Red Sox. Born and raised in Brockton, he reps the city proudly.