Eleven Things To Watch For In Patriots-Panthers Preseason Opener
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Head coach Jerod Mayo and the new-look New England Patriots will take the field at Gillette Stadium for the first time Thursday night.
New England's preseason opener against the NFC South's Carolina Panthers follows 11 days of training camp.
"Everyone who is healthy enough to play in the game will play in the game," Mayo said before practice Tuesday.
Here are 11 things to watch for before Patriots-Panthers:
What's the breakdown at quarterback?Mayo expects all four quarterbacks will play. He said Jacoby Brissett was expected to be the starter and said Drake Maye would play, though did not indicate how much. Maye's amount of reps is something to watch. It will be interesting to see whether Joe Milton III or Bailey Zappe is the third quarterback off the bench, too. Milton and Zappe split competitive periods during recent training camp sessions proving both about the same amount of reps.
How does Drake Maye's night go?All eyes will be on Maye on Thursday. How does he play? How did he throw the ball? Did he look comfortable behind center and diagnosis defenses? Those will be the biggest talking points, no doubt. It also will be interesting to see if Maye and the second-string offense see the majority of reps against the Panthers' depth units. If so, the chances are the rookie signal-caller plays more. However, if New England's offensive line struggles to protect Maye against Carolina's top defense, perhaps Mayo and company elect to give Milton and Zappe more run.
Who's on the first-string offensive line?The competition up front looked like a carousel this summer. Mayo said he hopes to have the starting unit determined after the second preseason game, so the opener could indicate how the team is leaning. During Tuesday's practice, Brissett played behind, from left to right, Vederian Lowe, Michael Jordan, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu and Calvin Anderson. Sidy Sow, who played left guard with the top group during the previous 10 practices, did not participate in competitive periods. There's a chance he returns to the interior with Andrews and Onwenu.
How do the rookie receivers perform?Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker both have impressed during 11 training camp practices. They've each made highlight-reel plays, but have lacked a bit in terms of consistency -- Baker's up-and-down day Tuesday was an example of that. They'll now get the opportunity to go against cornerbacks they haven't before, and more importantly build their connection with New England's top quarterbacks.
Which veteran wideouts are playing with which quarterbacks?The Patriots have consistently rotated receivers during training camp practices, so it will be interesting to see who is on the top group with Brissett. For example, if Jalen Reagor gets more time with Brissett and Maye than Tyquan Thornton or JuJu Smith-Schuster, it might indicate where Reagor stands. The competition down the depth chart figures to be among Kayshon Boutte, Reagor, Thornton and Smith-Schuster, who could be fighting for one or two spots.
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How does the run game look?Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has been implementing his outside zone run scheme, which stretches the ball to the outside and gives running backs the freedom. Patriots offensive line coach Scott Peters also has been lauded by offensive linemen for his teaching of his strike system. It'll be good to see those in a live setting.
Who's starting along the defensive line?The extended absence of Christian Barmore leaves the Patriots with a big hole to fill on the defensive line. Davon Godchaux and Keion White have consistently been with the top group in practice while others like Daniel Ekuale could be given an expanded role.
Does Keion White continue strong summer?White has been among the most impressive players during training camp. He's been given the opportunity to play on the defensive interior and on the edge thus far. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots use him, and if he impresses like he has against his own teammates.
Will Matthew Judon play?Mayo said he expects all players who are healthy to play. Judon did not participate in competitive periods during the most recent practice, though it isn't known it that was anything injury-related. Judon, who remains unhappy about his current contract, has said he will play on his deal. If he does, however, it likely won't be for an extended period.
Does Chad Ryland further distance himself?Ryland has the edge over Joey Slye in the kicker competition, converting 89% of his field goals (24-for-27) compared to Slye's 81% (22-for-27). We'll see if that continues in a game situation.
Who emerges in tight roster battles?An all-encompassing question, right? Well, there are plenty of competitions on both sides of the ball. The offense not only is searching for offensive line groupings, but a third tight end behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, who stood out in camp, and a third running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. The defense is looking for another outside cornerback capable of producing behind Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones. We'll see which players make the most of their opportunities.
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