After two days of joint practices in Wisconsin this week, the New England Patriots returned to game action on Saturday night. They took on the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 of the NFL preseason.
After the majority of the starters on both sides of the ball sat last week, just about every player on the Patriots played on Saturday night. Both offensive and defensive starters played about a quarter, followed by the backups.
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Like the Patriots, the Packers played the majority of their starters for the first quarter as well, and their top backups deeper into the game. So not only was this a chance to see some of the players who project to be on the field for the Patriots come the regular season, but evaluate them against comparable talent.
What did we learn from all of that? Let’s take a look…
The base offensive system has clearly been upgraded
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots calls out a play 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)
No NFL team runs its full playbook in the preseason. Why would they, and put things on tape for regular season opponents in games that don’t count? Instead teams usually run a very base, simplified, trimmed-down version of their offensive concepts, without the tweaks and wrinkles that are typically added in a week-to-week game plan.
Based on what we saw on Saturday night, that version of this Bill O’Brien’s offense may have already surpassed last year’s Matt Patricia offense, even based off what it looked like the regular season. We saw RPOs, coordinated route combinations, changes at the line of scrimmage, varied formations, a ‘pop pass,’ and other concepts that the 2022 Patriots never reached. That, in itself, should be reason for excitement.
Bourne’s back
Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) catches a pass against Green Bay Packers corner back Rasul Douglas (29) in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
No player seemed to benefit more from the new-look offense than wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. He was involved early and often, leading all starters with three catches for 34 yards. He made a strong grab on an RPO throw from Mac Jones, and later high-pointed a ball over the middle from Jones. He also set a key block on Rhamondre Stevenson’s long run.
When healthy Bourne is one of if not the most explosive wide receiver the Patriots have. Those skills were not a big part of the offense last year, with his 41.9 percent usage rate ranking fifth among the team’s wide receivers over the course of the season. Bases on Saturday night, things should look a little different this year.
Mac’s 2023 debut
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)
After not playing last week, Mac Jones got his first game snaps of game action of the 2023 season on Saturday night. It was a mostly-positive showing from the third year QB.
For the most part, Jones’ accuracy was on point, as referenced above on the two throws to Kendrick Bourne. He was also in full control at the line of scrimmage, highlighted by the adjustment he made prior to a 23-yard run by Rhamondre Stevenson in the first quarter.
However, there were two plays that Jones missed that prevented him from having a ‘great’ night. The first was a deep throw to DeVante Parker that was just out of Parker’s reach in a tight window (although Parker could have maybe made more of a play on the ball). Prior to the throw Jones showed tremendous pocket awareness resetting himself while facing a Packer blitz, but couldn’t complete the play with the pass. Still, Jones looked very comfortable in a quickly-collapsing pocket – a stark change from last year when he got sped up during training camp and never reset his internal clock.
The other miss was another overthrow to Hunter Henry up the seam that would have been the longest play of the night for the starting offense. This one was a clear overthrow.
Still, Jones’ first 2023 action was promising, and showed how Bill O’Brien’s offense truly puts his best traits in the spotlight. In total, Jones completed six of nine passes for 52 yards.
Tackle problems continue
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
It was another rough night for the Patriots’ offensive line. When the starters were in the game, that was particularly true at tackle.
At the right tackle spot, rookie Sidy Sow got the nod after repping there for the last week. On a 3rd & 9 Sow failed to get his feet under him and was driven back with one hand by Packers pass rusher Kingsley Enagbare for a sack.
On the other side, Trent Brown got the start at left tackle in his first game snaps of the year. He was called for an early false start, but settled down after that. However, he was pulled after just one drive. Andrew Stueber came into replace him, and he also got beat by Enagbare for what ended up being a blind-side strip sack.
After Brown’s false start, he held up strong at right tackle. But for a player who missed 21 games in three years prior to 2022, the Patriots don’t seem to have a clear backup plan in place for him. On the right side, the battle for the starting job should continue with no clear leader establishing themselves to this point.
Zappe’s ups and downs
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots throws a pass in the 3rd quarter 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)
Back at the site where he saw his first NFL regular season action last year at Lambeau Field, Bailey Zappe played from the first quarter on for the Patriots in this game. Withing that time, he had some high highs and low lows.
The ‘ups’? He threaded the needle on an excellently-timed slant route to Kayson Boutte, who was able to catch the ball in stride and run 32 yards for a score. Zappe also had a touchdown of his own, showing good poise to keep a bootleg on a 4th & 2 for a rushing touchdown late in the third quarter.
However, Zappe was erratic beyond those two plays. Two issues he’s dealt with throughout camp – holding the ball too long and having passes batted down at the line – popped up again. He finished the game 10-for-22, for 117 yards with one passing and one rushing touchdown.
Boutte flashes potential
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
With his performance on Wednesday night, rookie sixth-round pick Kayson Boutte made a strong case for a roster spot, even as the sixth wide receiver. He also flashed some of the potential he showed coming out of LSU that at one point had him projected as a first-round pick prior to a down year in 2022.
The biggest thing that stood out – as it often did in college – was his explosiveness. That was apparent on the catch-and-run touchdown, displaying his ability as a YAC threat, but showed up other times as well in his route running. His cuts were all quick, clean, and decisive. He’s given the Patriots’ coaching staff a lot to think about heading into the final week of evaluations.
Running back standout
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Anthony Johnson Jr. #36 of the Green Bay Packers tackles J.J. Taylor #42 of the New England Patriots in the second half during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
One of the Patriots’ depth running backs finally had a standout performance on Saturday night. It wasn’t 2022 draft picks Pierre Strong or Kevin Harris, but fourth-year back J.J. Taylor, who spent most of last season on the practice squad. Saturday night was a busy night for him – he finished with four carries for 29 yards and three catches for 27 yards.
Taylor’s most impressive play came midway through the third quarter. Facing a Packer blitz, he set a key block that allowed Bailey Zappe to extend the play. Once he completed his blocking assignment, he positioned himself where Zappe could find him easily to get the ball away facing pressure. Taylor then made the catch, and made a defender miss to pick up a 14-yard gain on a 2nd & 9.
Was it enough to earn Taylor a roster spot? Probably not. But he’s set himself up well heading into the final week of training camp. If Strong – who didn’t practice all week and wasn’t in uniform Saturday night – is going to miss time in the regular season, it’s possible Taylor could slip onto the roster or end up as a practice squad elevation as the backup passing-down back if he puts together a few more performances like that one.
More roles for Malik Cunningham
Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Kiondre Thomas (43) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Malik Cunningham (16) during their preseason football game at Lambeau Field. Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports
It was another interesting night for UDFA Malik Cunningham. After having his lone drive at QB be the story of the Patriots’ preseason opener, he was a focus at wide receiver on Saturday night. Cunningham was targeted five times but couldn’t record a catch, not separating much from Packers defenders.
Playing wide receiver wasn’t all Cunningham did. He also returned a kickoff – something we haven’t seen him do previously this summer – for 21 yards. It really seems like the Patriots are trying him out in as many different roles as possible, seeing where he fits best.
The one thing Cunningham didn’t do Saturday night? Play quarterback. Perhaps that would have happened had the fourth quarter played out to conclusion, but it didn’t. That part of Malik Mania will have to wait at least another week.
Packers run wild
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
Let’s shift over to the defensive unit, which also had the starting unit take the field after mostly sitting last week. In particular, let’s start with the defensive line.
Facing a Packers rushing attack that ranked 12th in yards per carry last year, the Patriots’ starting defense struggled to stop the run. Against the starting unit, the Packers averaged 5.4 yards per carry. In particular, nose tackles Davon Godchaux and Carl Davis were moved out of the way too often by the Packers offensive line.
Last year the Patriots had one of the best run defenses in the league, with their 4.1 yards per carry allowed ranking fourth in the NFL (although they did allowed 199 total rushing yards and 5.7 yards per carry in the Week 4 regular season matchup against the Packers). Having brought everybody back from that unit, it’s fair to assume they’ll play at a high level again. We’ll see how they do next week against another tough test in Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans.
Mills stands out again
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)
Moving back to the secondary, it was another impressive performance from safety Jalen Mills. He was regularly around the ball throughout his time in the game, which was most of the first half.
Mills stood out as a positive during last week’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans as well. He looks very natural in the safety position, moving back there this season after playing cornerback his first two years in New England. The expectations should stay high for him.
Health check
Tyquan Thornton at New England Patriots training camp. (Alex Barth/98.5 The Sports Hub)
The Patriots had three players deal with apparent injuries this week during joint practices. Of those three only one played in the game. Rookie Jake Andrews started at center in the second half. Fellow rookie Keion White was in uniform but didn’t play.
Meanwhile, second-year wide receiver Tyquan Thornton was not in uniform after landing hard on his should during Thursday’s practice and leaving the session early. Just prior to the game, Christopher Price of the Boston Globe reported that Thornton’s injury is “a week-to-week situation” but that he’s “doing fine.”
After a rough start to camp, Thornton is trying to hold off rookies Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas (who had two catches for 17 yards on Saturday night) for the fourth wide receiver role. If he ends up missing time, he could end up on the outside looking in at playing time. If he’s going to miss significant time he could end up on IR to start the season, which would make it much easier for the Patriots to carry both rookie wide receivers.
