10 takeaways from Day 1 of Patriots coaching camp

Patriots

Early impressions of Mac Jones, Jack Jones, and Juju Smith-Schuster, amongst others.

The start of what may very well be a career-altering yr for Mac Jones received off to an uninspiring begin.

Granted, it was the primary day of coaching camp and the Patriots weren’t carrying pads but. There’s nonetheless loads of time to develop and enhance.

Jones’ first go throughout camp scrimmages was picked off by Kyle Dugger. He went 5-for-10 in redzone drills. He had some good throws, however total it was a so-so efficiency.

Maybe the truth that none of New England’s quarterbacks, Bailey Zappe and Hint McSorely included, carried out very effectively is an early signal that the protection is able to dwell as much as the hype.

Or perhaps, it’s a sign that the offense, even beneath new coordinator Invoice O’Brien has a protracted solution to go earlier than it may well assist New England contend.

Both means, listed below are ten takeaways from the primary day of camp.

Mac Jones reacts to DeAndre Hopkins’s determination to signal elsewhere

One of many largest storylines of New England’s offseason was its pursuit of five-time Professional Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins was billed the form of No. 1 receiver that might increase New England’s offense to new heights.

However, Hopkins selected to signal with the Tennessee Titans as a substitute.

” I believe DeAndre’s a fantastic participant, and I do know he’s going to do nice down there,” Jones stated of Hopkins’s determination. ” So, for us, I believe we’ve got a fantastic group and that’s what we’re attempting to do is mildew collectively. I believe we’ve got nice tight ends, receivers and backs, so we positively have nice depth and we’re going to work collectively to speak in regards to the routes, what we like and what we don’t like.”

“We received some guys who’ve performed plenty of snaps within the NFL within the receiver room, and so I’m simply attempting to be taught from them, actually, and speak,” Jones continued. “Inform them how I see it, but additionally, on the finish of the day, how they see it as a result of that’s vital, too. So, yeah, that comes via movie and simply speaking within the locker room and watching it out right here on the apply discipline.”

Jack Jones returns to apply as authorized case performs out

As he awaits his possible trigger listening to that stemmed from a June arrest at Logan Airport, Jack Jones continues to apply with the Patriots. He was an lively participant, taking reps on the skin at cornerback.

TSA officers stated a pair of weapons had been present in Jones’s baggage. He’s due again in courtroom on Aug. 18, and until one thing adjustments it seems he’ll be practising till then.

“It’s a must to ask him about that,” Patriots security Kyle Dugger stated. “I’m simply glad I get to share the sector with him. That’s all I can say about that.”

Juju Smith-Schuster makes an early impression on followers

Wednesday marked Juju Smith-Schuster’s first apply with the Patriots after lacking OTAs and minicamp. He bounced across the discipline energetically throughout warmups, pumping up the gang. He later caught a slant from Jones throughout redzone drills.

“JuJu loves soccer and you may see the juice that he brings,” Jones stated. “He’s positively actually embraced the whole lot; he’s working actually arduous, all the time doing the appropriate factor, so we simply received to be constant. I do know that he can carry that veteran management.”

Kyle Dugger stays mum on contract talks

Patriots director of participant personnel Matt Groh informed reporters that the crew is continually having conversations with gamers whose contracts are expiring.

Dugger is a kind of gamers, however declined to provide many particulars on the talks.

“I’d like to play ball right here,” Dugger stated. “So far as the whole lot else, I form of depart that to my agent.”

Marte Mapu is damage, however nonetheless practiced

Rookie linebacker Marte Mapu practiced in a purple non-contact jersey on Wednesday.

He suffered a torn pectoral muscle in February, however was capable of take part in OTAs and minicamp the place he was an early standout.

Heavy emphasis on bettering redzone offense

The Patriots stayed within the redzone in the course of the scrimmaging portion of apply. They targeted on throwing the ball throughout each 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.

“Day one is all about watching the tape and seeing what you’ll be able to regulate, proper?” Jones stated. “So, getting everyone again collectively, the vets, the rooks, everyone. So, I really feel just like the purple zone is a good space and we positively want to enhance. I would like to enhance down there. Issues occur fast and all of it comes from apply.”

Ty Montgomery lastly seems like he’s at full power

After being restricted to at least one sport throughout an injury-riddled 2022 season, Ty Montgomery performed effectively in his 2023 coaching camp opener. He caught a pair of landing passes from Jones, displaying the ability set that enables him to compete at each receiver and operating again.

Tough day for Bailey Zappe

Jones seemed just like the Patriots’ greatest quarterback on Wednesday, not as a result of he performed notably effectively, however as a result of Bailey Zappe went 2-8 throughout 11-on-11 drills and had a go swatted on the line of scrimmage by Mack Wilson.

Zappe did fare barely higher than Jones in the course of the 7-on-7 portion of purple zone drills, finishing two of his three passes whereas Jones threw an interception.

Total, Zappe went 4-for-11 within the purple zone on Wednesday, making it a tough day for the backup QB.

Matthew Judon sticks with lengthy purple sleeves, even throughout summer time warmth

Professional Bowl linebacker Matthew Judon wore a purple long-sleeve shirt that stated “Go Pats” beneath his jersey. It was almost 90 levels in Foxborough throughout apply, however Judon caught together with his signature look.

Followers sang “Pleased Birthday” to Deatrich Smart

Deatrich Smart, who posted a career-best 59 tackles and seven.5 sacks final yr, turned 29 on Wednesday. He beamed as followers sang glad birthday to him as he walked off the sector on the finish of apply.