Patriots-Packers Joint Practices: Mac Jones, Offense Dominate; 5 Takeaways

The New England Patriots offense was in need of a ‘statement’ performance heading into their preseason matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Did they do so during their second day of joint practices?

The New England Patriots took the practice fields just outside the Don Hutson Center in Green Bay determined to win the day. 

Despite getting mixed reviews on their first day of joint practices against the Packers, the Pats were intent on demonstrating their skills, as well as their resolve, palpably felt before entering their preseason game against Green Bay at Lambeau Field on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.

From strong performances from their quarterbacks to some lingering concerns surrounding their offensive line, here are a quintet of takeaways from the second day of joint sessions in Wisconsin. 

Pats Offense Comes Back to Life

Following a somewhat benign performance against the Packers during Wednesday’s practice, many within Patriots Nation wondered whether the issues which plagued the team — especially on offense — would derail their quest to improve this season.  

Quarterback Mac Jones turned in what many have called his best practice performance to date. Jones completed 14 of 17 attempts, and was particularly sharp in two-minute red zone work. The Pats starter looked confident and capable in hitting receiver DeVante Parker for a 45-yard touchdown against tight coverage. 

Bailey Zappe struggled a bit more than Jones, going 18 for 28 with two interceptions and taking three “would-be” sacks. Still, the second-year quarterback showed impressive resilience during his closing reps, connecting with rookies Malik Cunningham — as a receiver —and Kayshon Boutte, with Boutte making a diving grab in the front corner of the end zone.

Ultimately, New England may have helped to quell the speculative storm surrounding their offense with a strong showing against a talented Green Bay secondary. 

Zeke Looking Sharp Early

Running back Ezekiel Elliott is looking quite at home in the Patriots offense. Not only is the two-time All Pro playing with both energy and enthusiasm, he is also demonstrating a quick understanding of New England’s playbook. The Pats newest rusher earned an impressive pair of touchdowns during red zone work against the Packers defense. In addition to breaking Green Bay’s defensive seal for eight yards to find the end zone, Elliott also scored on a goal-line carry. As he is likely to be utilized in similar packages throughout the season, the former Dallas Cowboys standout clearly made his coaches happy with his performance on Thursday. 

Offensive Line Struggles … Again

Though the Pats skill position players rebounded from a subpar outing, it should be noted that they did so without notable help from their offensive line. The unit has collectively and significantly struggled in providing protection. The first-team line consisted of tackles Riley Reiff and Sidy Sow and guard Atonio Mafi. While each of the aforementioned players have shown signs of promise throughout training camp, each have struggled to maintain their positioning. As a result, Green Bay’s defensive starters have routinely made quick work of their New England counterparts. 

Injury Concerns

Once again, receiver Tyquan Thornton found himself at the center of some injury-related uneasiness. Thornton turned in arguably his best training camp catch; hauling in a 50-yard deep ball from quarterback Mac Jones during one of Thursday’s break out scrimmages. The 23-year-old dove for the ball and hung on to make the impressive grab. Still, Thornton quickly sought attention from the training staff, who walked with him to the training area for further evaluation. He did not return to the field. 

Rookie defensive Keion White — who was also a key player in one of the day’s most heated confrontations — received medical attention on his left leg after an awkward landing during team drills. Though he walked from the field under his own power, he remained on the sidelines for the remainder of practice. White was spotted talking with his coaches and appears to have avoided serious injury. However, both he and Thornton will be closely watched over the next few days. 

Defense looks Strong against Jordan Love

With most eyes focused on the offense, the Patriots secondary was also able to shake some of the rust from their previous day’s showing. Defensive backs Myles Bryant, Adrian Phillips and Christian Gonzalez were all credited with pass breakups with safety Kyle Dugger earning an interception. After failing to win the battle on day one of joint practices between the two sides, the Pats defense — especially the secondary — brought the heat against quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers offense on day two. 

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