FOXBOROUGH — Practice No.2 of the Patriots' mandatory minicamp is in the books, let's run down all you need to know, including highlights and practice tidbits:
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Mac Jones continues to hit the deep pass: They've all come without an offensive or defensive line and an associated pass rush, but Mac Jones has been highly accurate down the field the first couple of days of practice. He hit four such throws on Tuesday and there were another three Wednesday:
- a sideline throw to a leaping Jonnu Smith over Kyle Dugger;
- Tre Nixon, despite Jonathan Jones tugging on his shirt, made a one-armed catch of a 65-yard bomb;
- Another to Nixon on a coverage bust when he was wide open.
(Another sideline pass to Agholor was a great throw and catch, but we saw Agholor as being out of bounds against Jack Jones.)
What does it mean? Nothing at this point, but it's at least notable. It's also worth noting that Jones and the passing offense has not had the same success with a pass rush.
Tre Nixon making most of opportunity: With Jakobi Meyers limited at this point, and Kendrick Bourne missing the first day (he was back), the second-year receiver benefitted from the additional playing and has cashed in on his chance. It's clear he has a rapport with Jones, which can't hurt his chances. As a rookie, Nixon was nowhere near landing on the roster out of camp, similar to Gunner Olszewski and Braxton Berrios as rookies. But like those other players, Nixon greatly improved over the last year and should have a fighting chance this year in a crowded room.
Patriots hit outside zone runs: New England definitely ran more outside zone runs today, which was interesting. Now, it has to be pointed out that the Patriots run perhaps the most diversified offense in the NFL and has long had these plays in the playbook, and have run them at various times. What it means, we don't know yet.
Belichick chatty during bulk of practice: Guess Belichick wasn't all that concerned with this special teams-heavy practice because he spent almost all of it deep in conversation with Utah State defensive coordinator Ephraim Banda, who was previously at the University of Miami in the same role. I look forward to internet sleuths figuring out that Banda is the guru of some new wave football thinking, and Belichick being ahead of the curve bringing it to the NFL.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
Not present: DT Carl Davis, DT Byron Cowart, OT Andrew Stueber, OG Chasen Hines, K Quinn Nordin, K Nick Folk.
Rehab group: RB James White, TE Hunter Henry, C David Andrews, CB Marcus Jones, S Jabrill Peppers, WR Jakobi Meyers, TE Dalton Keene.
DRESS CODE
T-shirts and shorts.
LENGTH OF PRACTICE
2 hours under clear skies and breezy conditions.
QB STATS
11-on-11s, the only truly competitive period.
Mac Jones: 2-4, INT, 2 sacks
Brian Hoyer: 2-2
Bailey Zappe: 0-0
HANDS TEAM
Fumbles: Jones muffed two punts, including on one dive that drew Troy Brown's ire.
Drops: Agholor
Pass breakups: Jalen Mills, Jack Jones, Jahlani Tavai, Harvey Langi, Terrance Mitchell.
Interception: Malcolm Butler, Jack Jones (scout team).
TWO UP
TE Jonnu Smith: He was very excited about his leaping/diving grab against Dugger and he should have been —might have been his best play as a Patriot. It's one play in June, but maybe he's turning a corner and playing faster. Maybe.
WR Tre Nixon: Ernie Adams' favorite WR continues to do his part.
P Jake Bailey: It's obvious he was hurt last year. He's spent the first two days just booming punts again.
TWO DOWN
LB Cam McGrone: This isn't a comment on his actual play, just that he has not been in the mix much the first two days.
WR Tyquan Thornton: Similarly, Thornton has done fine to this point — he looks like a typical rookie learning his way through — but he does not seem to be on a high trajectory at this point, but it is extremely early.
QUICK HITS
- Josh Uche got the start on the edge with Lawrence Guy, Davon Godchaux and Deatrich Wise.
- Ja'Whaun Bentley and Raekwon McMillan started at ILB.
- First CB group: Jalen Mills, Jack Jones and Shaun Wade — but they change CBs from drill to drill.
- Punt returners: Bourne, Malcolm Perry, Jack Jones, Tre Nixon.
- Walke-talkies used again. Joe Judge got 7 on 7s, Matt Patricia team.
- Kick returners: Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong.
- Lot of flat throws and checkdowns for second straight practice.
- Ivan Fears watched again from the sidelines. Jon Bon Jovi attended and the playlist was heavy on his greatest hits.
- Mack Wilson showed a ton of athletic ability almost knocking down a pass from Hoyer to Montgomery.
- Nifty seam throw into a tight window from Jones to Nixon.
- Jones picked off on high throw to Bourne that tipped to Butler.
SCHEDULE
June 9 – Mandatory Minicamp with media availability
June 13 – Media Availability
June 14