FOXBOROUGH — Practice No. 6 is in the books, let's run down all you need to know: stats, observations, 3 up/down, etc:
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Mac Jones, passing offense starting to find footing: Today was a good day for the passing offense, specifically Mac Jones. He completed 7 of 10 passes and had two touchdowns in the red zone. He even had one play where he did go down the field for a completion to DeVante Parker over Christian Gonzalez, and Jones threw a nice deep post to Kendrick Bourne that was just a smidge too far. I still wouldn't go nuts because the Patriots haven't really gone full-out competitive with a wider playbook, but it was a good day for them and you could from the body language that they were feeling good about themselves. Jones did have one big miss — he had Mike Gesicki wide open going to the sideline and he underthrew it, which allowed Mack Wilson to tip it away.
Patriots dial it back: After one day in pads, the Patriots were back in shells and the pace was lighter and the practice shorter. I'm sure the Patriots don't want to overdo it too soon and there's some sport science behind their decisions, but this was a very low-key day. It was like the day after a game or scrimmage.
Offensive line continues to be jumbled: A day after injuring his left knee, Cole Strange was on the field in a larger knee brace but did not take part. Trent Brown was also relegated to conditioning duty. That meant the same line that got the bulk of reps — LT Reilly Reiff, LG Atonio Mafi, C David Andrews, RG Bill Murray and RT Conor McDermott — were back it and seemed to improve.
"Another guy that, similar to Bill Murray, has only been playing offense for a short amount of time, converted defensive lineman," Belichick said of Mafi. "Obviously played a whole year at UCLA on offense, but in terms of long-term experience, he has less than a lot of other players. But yeah, he’s a smart kid, well coached at UCLA obviously with Chip [Kelly]. He’s doing fine."
The second- and third-team offensive line (same people for the most part) was a disaster, with Bailey Zappe (5 sacks) and Trace McSorley under a lot of pressure: LT Andrew Stueber, LG Kody Russey, C James Ferentz, RG Jake Andrews, RT Sidy Sow.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
Physically unable to perform list: OG Mike Onwenu, ST Cody Davis
Non-football injury list: OT Calvin Anderson.
Red non-contact jerseys: S Marte Mapu.
Returned to practice: OG Bill Murray (left leg).
Full participants: DE Matthew Judon, RB Rhamondre Stevenson,
Out: RB Ty Montgomery. LG Cole Strange (left knee), DB Brad Hawkins (left knee), OG Chasen Hines,
Limited: LB Terez Hall, OT Trent Brown, TE Scotty Washington.
New injuries: None.
DRESS CODE
Shells.
LENGTH OF PRACTICE
1:30 under clear skies and a brutal sun.
QB STATS
Mac Jones: 7 of 10, 2 TDs, sack
Bailey Zappe: 4 of 8, 5 sacks
STATS
Fumbles: None.
Drops: None.
Pass breakups: Mack Wilson 2, Myles Bryant 2, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones.
Interception: Joshuah Bledsoe (McSorely).
Sacks: Team 2, Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise, Jalen Mills, Keion White, Ronnie Perkins.
SHANK IT OFF
Chad Ryland got some action at the end of practice and seemed fine for the most part, but he had one that hooked well left. Not close.
TOP PLAYS
- Mac Jones' first throw in competitive was a dime to the outside down the left sideline to DeVante Parker over Christian Gonzalez.
- Jack Jones break up a pass in the end zone from Jones to Parker that should have been a touchdown.
FIVE UP
Mac Jones: Had a fairly accurate day but he left a few plays out on the field that he'd like to have back.
Hunter Henry: Back to being Mac's top target with four passes his way.
Myles Bryant: Bounced back with two pass breakups, including one that hit his rumpus - it was that bad from Zappe.
Mack Wilson: Two pass breakups is a good showing from the linebacker.
Josh Uche: Had a sack and a stuffed run.
TWO DOWN
Bailey Zappe: Had a couple of passes that had no chance, was under a lot of pressure that wasn't all his fault, but overall wasn't a sharp day.
Ja'Whaun Bentley: The defense has given up two easy touchdowns to backs in the flat — somewhere Matt Patricia is yelling, 'See, I told you that's where you can live in the low red zone!!' - and Bentley seems to have been involved in both.
QUICK HITS
- Marcus Jones has impressed in his opportunities, but the Patriots' best cover alignment is Gonzalez, Jack Jones and Jon Jones.
- Jack Jones got some more first-team looks today, as did Marte Mapu (sub linebacker). Mapu basically plays for all three defensive shifts and is at a different spot for each of them. He starts at sub LB, then moves to Star/slot, and then free safety. Amazing to see a rookie do that. "This guy is freakin’ smart,” said Adrian Phillips, who is no dummy himself.
- I think Conor McDermott has wrapped up the starting RT job, and Riley Reiff will be a swing. Not sure where that leaves Calvin Anderson if and when he gets off NFI. Might be between him and Stueber.
- Keion White has some nice power. Long ways to go for him, but you can see the traits.
- The red zone package and variety of quick game stuff for the offense is fairly impressive and light years ahead of last year.
- JJ Taylor is still quick and elusive. Will he ever get a real shot?
SCHEDULE
Wednesday: 9:45 a.m.
Thursday: 9:45 a.m.
Friday: In-stadium practice, 6 p.m.