It’s already clicking for Mac Jones and his new big-play receiver

The 2022 Patriots have plenty of work to do on offense. But within the group is a key bright spot who has quickly become a go-to guy for Mac Jones.

Newcomer DeVante Parker has been the most consistently productive wide receiver on the team through five training camp practices, and has been one of the few Patriots offensive players to get a thumbs up virtually across the board. It’s a notable development for an offense in need of more dynamic playmaking, a second-year quarterback in need of dependable targets, and an organization that hasn’t always incorporated veteran receivers smoothly.

For Parker, the transition has looked seamless. Coming over in March in a rare inter-division trade with the Miami Dolphins, the 29-year-old Parker’s arrival came with an uncertainty that’s inherent for veteran receivers, particularly in Foxboro. There’s always been a learning curve, making it tough for anyone to deliver an immediate impact.

But for Parker, the impact has been felt from day 1. So if you need something to hang the proverbial hat on amid all the bleak reporting on the performance of the offense, Parker is the thing.

Sports Hub Underground | Patriots training camp, Bruins, and more

Parker acknowledged to reporters after Monday’s practice that the Pats’ offensive terminology is “really about the same” as it was with the Dolphins under former Patriots assistant Brian Flores, who is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He added: “It’s not really hard to catch on to the plays.”

The proof is in the results. Jones has had a couple of miscues with other receivers – route mistakes by Jakobi Meyers last week and Tyquan Thornton on Monday stood out in a bad way – but he and Parker have consistently looked like they’re on the same page.

“I’d say it’s going pretty good,” the typically understated Parker said when asked about his building chemistry with Jones. “There’s always something we could work on, but right now I’d say it’s going pretty good.”

In Jones’ case, it seems he’s still working through getting the right touch on throws to the corner of the end zone. Parker has gone up and gotten the ball most of the time in those situations during team drills. But on Monday, one pass attempt appeared slightly underthrown, as Malcolm Butler got a hand on the ball to break up a “touchdown.”

However, that came after Parker absolutely toasted Butler down the field then reeled in a deep ball from Jones, a play that looked to gain about 40-50 yards. Parker has already made more big plays down the field in five practices than N’Keal Harry did in three years. Parker was ostensibly brought in to be the player Harry was supposed to be, so that’s certainly a positive development.

One area Parker specified that he’s been working to improve is “being more physical in certain situations,” which of course was hard to build on before they put on full pads. Cornerback Jalen Mills played tight man-to-man coverage on Parker and broke up a pass intended for him in the end zone during a competitive 11-on-11 period last week, so that play may be sticking in his craw a little bit.

Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcom Butler (4) and wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) run a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

But based on the totality of five practices, one of which came in full pads, Parker’s positive plays have far outweighed the negative ones. His built-in knowledge of the offensive terminology seems to have helped him get to a faster start than most, and his rapport with Jones has looked solid. It’s been a subtle sign of Jones’ growing confidence in himself.

“I think it all comes down to building the relationship with the guys and we have great team comradery,” Jones said last week. “I think that will grow as time goes along. It’s a lot of our second year in the Patriots system whether that was the new guys from last year, rookies or the guys that we brought in, so I think there’s a lot of growth that has to be done and we are here to do it together.

“That’s the important part, regardless of your age. Go out there, compete together, have fun and play football, it’s the game that we love.”

Make no mistake: overall, the offense has a ways to go in order for everything to gel. The offensive line has had issues with false starts – Isaiah Wynn committed one on Monday and had to run a lap for the error – and had trouble opening holes in the run game during competitive 11-on-11 drills. Nelson Agholor hasn’t made much noise. The aforementioned communication issues with Meyers and Thornton need to be corrected. Jones himself hasn’t looked nearly as comfortable throwing with a pass-rush in front of him as he has in 7-on-7.

But his budding connection with Parker has provided a sliver of optimism early in camp. There’s plenty to figure out, but there’s still time for that. It seems that Jones and Parker didn’t need any time to get rolling.

Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

We’re going to be at Patriots training camp every step of the way here at 985TheSportsHub.com. Keep checking back for the latest Mac Watch to track the progress of the quarterback’s all-important second season, and read Alex Barth’s latest training camp notebook.

Click here for complete Patriots training camp coverage from the digital team at 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.