Mac Jones during Patriots training camp on July 28, 2022. (Syndication: The Providence Journal)
Mac Jones recently said the Patriots offense needs to get everybody on the same page. On Wednesday, in a lighter practice than the first two padded days, it felt like they focused on correcting the problems causing what’s been a disjointed unit so far.
Jones was 14-of-16 with an interception in 11-on-11 drills on Wednesday, and a perfect 4-of-4 in 7-on-7. So, the efficiency was there, and it seemed like they moved closer to gelling. The pick was his only big blemish, but once again, it looked like a miscommunication with the receiver.
This time the culprit was DeVante Parker, and it looked like almost the same exact mistake made by Tyquan Thornton earlier in camp. Parker kept running upfield while Jones threw a shorter outside pass, which landed in the hands of (coincidentally) cornerback Terrance Mitchell.
It’s hard to tell whether the linebackers are making plays or the offense is struggling to set the proper protections. But as usual, it’s probably a little of both. Wilson’s speed has stood out shooting gaps on the inside. We won’t really know until the games start counting in the standings whether the Patriots are any better at that position, but they’re certainly faster.
Tackle Justin Herron was dinged with a false start “flag” during the loud music portion of 11-on-11, earning a lap for his troubles. Herron projects as, at best, a swing tackle, but he can’t be considered a lock to make the roster if he’s going to commit pre-snap penalties.
Ty Montgomery led the way in terms of catches, with four total, two each in 11s and 7s. With no timetable projected for James White’s return, the door is blowing open for Montgomery to secure a 53-man roster spot. He’s been utilized as a back, receiver, and returner during camp so far. His versatility has always screamed “Patriot!”
May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Ty Montgomery (14) works with assistant coach Troy Brown at the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Mac Watch, Day 6: Jones admits Patriots offense still not on the same page
Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) calls a play during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
FOXBORO — When Mac Jones and the Patriots offense compete in 7-on-7 drills, they look pretty much unstoppable. But when the lines come on the field for 11-on-11, Jones simply hasn’t looked like the same player.
It sounds like there are a lot of factors at play with the Patriots’ offensive struggles at training camp so far. But at times, the issues have led to Jones taking off with the ball instead of throwing, which is rarely going to be ideal. As Jones himself suggested during his press conference after Tuesday’s practice in Foxboro, they’ve had a hard time getting all 11 guys to execute properly at the same time. That’s obviously the key to American football, the ultimate team sport.
“I think we have a lot of room to grow here,” Jones said. “The goal for me is to not run the ball and throw it so, I think our offensive line is doing a good job, and we just have to get on the same page.”
The problem is, the offensive line hasn’t entirely done a good job. On Tuesday alone, multiple defenders were credited with “sacks” or “tackles for loss,” sometimes breaching the offensive line untouched. Jones has had good-enough protection at times, but he’s also had a couple of miscommunications with his receivers. His red zone accuracy has been spotty. Plays have been made, to be certain, but the consistency definitely isn’t there yet.
But Jones’ comfort is evidenced by the smooth operation of the offense that we’ve seen in 7-on-7 drills. Ditto 1-on-1 plays between the receivers and defensive backs, often with deep balls. Rookie Tyquan Thornton and Nelson Agholor made back-to-back one-handed catches in those drills. Agholor, in particular, had his best day of camp. Jones has also clicked early with off-season addition DeVante Parker.
“He’s a great receiver and he’s played a long time in this league and he understands how to attack the football,” Jones said of Parker. “We got a lot of guys who do a lot of different things. My job is to hit them in the hands and they’ll make the plays. So, that’s what we’re going to try to do.”
The problem is, it’s just not as crisp when it jumps to 11-on-11, especially when it’s starters vs. starters. The individual talent jumps out more and more by the day, but even with schematic changes expected, the Patriots still need to be on point with their timing and protections in order for Jones to succeed.
Jones has seemed sped up or indecisive when he has a pass-rush coming his way, but it could also be a case of the receivers not going where he’s expecting. That’s what it looked like when he threw a gimme interception to cornerback Terrance Mitchell, as Thornton appeared to run the wrong route upfield, while Mitchell sat in his zone and received the ball like he was the intended target.
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
Leftover Notes…
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
— Don’t be surprised if the Patriots incorporate Thornton as a rookie by giving him a handoff here and there. That’s one way to utilize his speed out of the gate. Thornton made a one-handed grab against Jalen Mills during 1-on-1’s and looks more and more like a legit candidate to start Week 1.
— The Patriots ran what I like to call the “slappy drill.” It’s a ball-carrier attempting to run about half the width of the field against two defenders trying to knock the ball loose. The only fumble came from Agholor, and it looked like an as-yet unannounced new player wearing No. 36 who made the play. According to Mike Reiss, it’s former Notre Dame defensive back Jalen Elliott. Marcus Jones was the other DB in on the play.
— The run game couldn’t get much of anything going in the first day of full pads, but gained a little more traction on day 2. They were able to open a few holes inside. Damien Harris had a nice run to the left edge as left tackle Trent Brown took Judon for a ride. Call it 1 percent better. But like the passing game, we have yet to see a big jump.
— The punt returners on Tuesday were cornerback Myles Bryant, running back J.J. Taylor, and Marcus Jones. The latter should end up returning punts eventually. Safety Jabrill Peppers, who returned from PUP on Monday, was present for this session, but only observed. He figures to get some actual looks as a punt returner in the days ahead, as the team eases him back in.
PHOTOS: Patriots hit the field for 2022 training camp in Foxboro
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