Matty P For The Full 60 Minutes
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: Senior Football Advisor Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Coaching has been a big topic throughout the first three weeks of camp. It should be more of Matt Patricia continually calling the plays Friday. Meaning not only the first quarter, second quarter or third quarter, but maybe through the game. If you watched practice against Carolina, he’s been the main play caller in any of the team periods.
Offensive Continuity
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
I’m looking forward to the first preseason snaps for Mac Jones in 2022. I’m excited to see the quarterback in his second year. It seems like the offense has gotten better, the continuity has been better, the intensity has picked up and the running game, we’ve seen some more of those stretch runs. You’re starting to see the zone blocking schemes a little bit more in practice than you saw in a game last week. The offensive line coming together.
Injury Replacements
May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste (72) walks to the practice field for the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s see how Yodney Cajuste plays on that right tackle with Isaiah Wynn continually being out day to day. Hunter Henry was knicked up at practice this week. It’s a chance for Jonnu Smith to get some great reps and get in sync with Mac Jones.
Wide Receiver Battle
Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) walks onto the field during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
On the outside, let’s see Devonte Parker in a game situation. He’s stepped up big time at practice. The catch radius is there with him. Guys like Kendrick Bourne, who has sort of had I don’t want to say it down camp, but he hasn’t had the electric plays that he had last year. He’s got to get it going along with Agholor, who I think he’s had a good camp. Jakobi Meyers has popped a little bit here. When you get against another team, you can see Mac really depends on him.
Finding a 3rd Down Back
May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) works on his footwork at the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots have to find a third down back. We’ve seen Ty Montgomery in practice, but I really think right now it’s Rhamondre Stevenson. I think his ability to come out of the backfield, catch the ball and run reminds me of Brandon Bolden. The good Brandon Bolden!
Barmore’s First Snaps of 2022
Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore speaks to reporters at training camp on Aug. 3, 2022 in Foxboro, Mass. (Matt Dolloff/98.5 The Sports Hub)
Defensively we should see our first snaps of Christian Barmore and Davon Godchaux together. I like that one two combination inside along with some of the outside pressures from from Matthew Judon.
Jones, Jones and Jones
Jones led the Patriots in tackles and spent most of his night shadowing the dangerous Antonio Brown. The wideout ended up with seven catches for 63 yards, which seems productive on paper, but he was kept out of the end zone and couldn’t burn them for the big play. One big completion to Brown was wiped out by a Bucs penalty, but the Pats can largely thank Jones for keeping Brown in check.
Malcolm Butler was placed on injured reserve which means his season is over. It’s more imperative that these rookies step up. Guys like Marcus Jones, Jack Jones, who we saw last week. Marcus Jones didn’t get any snaps last week but he should in this game. Let’s see whether Jonathan Jones plays inside or outside. I think they look faster in game mode and let’s see these defensive backs go up against D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson. I want to see if they can frustrate them.
