Patriots Training Camp: Mac, Mack Stand Out; Day 6 Notebook

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, along with linebacker Mack Wilson provided some of the day’s best moments during the Pats’ sixth training camp practice.

FOXBORO — After ‘Puttin’ on the Pads’ to begin their first full week of training camp practices, the New England Patriots toned things down a bit for their sixth organized team session. 

Per NFL rules, teams are allowed three-straight practices in pads. As the Pats currently have six consecutive practices scheduled, the team needed to conduct at least one non-padded session this week.

Though the team may have scaled back the physicality, there was still significant action on the field for New England on Tuesday. Here are some highlights from another sunny day with comfortable temperatures in southern New England. 

Roll Call

Receiver Jalen Hurd, offensive lineman Chasen Hines and defensive back Brad Hawkins were absent after each had left Monday’s practice with injuries. 

Hybrid receiver/runner Ty Montgomery (ankle) did not practice for the fourth straight session, while linebacker Terez Hall was out of action for the second consecutive day. 

Offensive tackle Michael Onwenu and special teamer Cody Davis — who remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list — and offensive tackle Calvin Anderson— who continued his time on the non-football illness (NFI) list — were also absent and have yet to practice with the team during camp.

After missing both Sunday's and Monday’s sessions, rookie offensive lineman Jake Andrews returned to the field for practice on Tuesday. 

Quarterback Snapshot

Despite his recent ups and downs, Mac Jones turned in his best performance of camp, appearing more decisive and accurate. The 24-year-old completed 10 of 14 passes in team drills; including connecting on 3 of 4 in the red zone against the starting defense — two of which went for “would-be” touchdowns to running back Rhamondre Stevenson and tight end Mike Gesicki respectively. His best throw was pinpoint connection with receiver DeVante Parker along the left sideline for an approximately 25-yard gain, with Parker making an impressive contested catch in tight coverage from rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Jones’ only overt miscue came on an attempt to find Mike Gesicki on an intermediate route. The pass was broken up on a great play by linebacker Mack Wilson, who nearly picked Jones’ throw. 

Bailey Zappe connected on 8 of 13 passes in team drills, but struggled for much of the session. The second-year quarterback missed both of his throws in the red zone, while absorbing 3-4 “would be” sacks. He also had a pass broken up by safety Jabrill Peppers. Zappe fared much better in 7-on-7 drills, completing all four of his passes in a more non-competitive setting. 

Trace McSorley went a collective 4 for 5 in team drills, tossing the day’s only interception to saftey Joshuah Bledsoe at the end of practice. McSorley took some scout team reps at quarterback throughout the morning, as well. 

Offense Observations

With starting left tackle Trent Brown once again limited, the Patriots used a makeshift line consisting of Riley Reiff at left tackle, Atonio Mafi at right tackle, David Andrews at center, Bill Murray at right guard and Conor McDermott at right tackle. Second-year guard Cole Strange was present at practice, but wearing a brace on his left knee. The Pats right side starter appeared to tweak his knee during team drills and did not return to practice. While the Patriots are understandably being cautious with Strange, reports have indicated that his injury is “not serious.” 

For the second straight day, running back Kevin Harris took notable reps with the first-team offense, and was heavily involved in on-field organizational activities. While starter Rhamondre Stevenson was a full participant on Tuesday (Stevenson was limited on Monday) Harris stood out as the second option on the depth chart. Harris is the type of straightforward power runner that can provide some short-yardage production. The Pats rookie is a reliable back with the talent to quickly develop into a solid rotational option in the Patriots backfield.

Defense Observations

While the pads may have been give the day off, the Patriots pass rush came to play. New England’s defense registered six “sacks” on the Pats quarterbacks, including two from third-year defender Ronnie Perkins. The Oklahoma product has spent the overwhelming majority of his pro career on injured reserve. However, he possesses the talent to be an effective defender in both the running and passing games. Perkins’ demonstrated good burst and closing speed on Tuesday, and seems focused on making a push for a roster spot in 2023. 

Linebacker Mack Wilson has been one of the Pats’ most reliable performers throughout camp. Though he struggled though his first season in New England, Wilson is starting to demonstrate the type of sideline-to-sideline impact for which he was acquired. Both his speed and athleticism were on full display, contributing impressive pass breakups while getting looks with the starting unit. 

With his playing status for this season still in question, cornerback Jack Jones is clearly intent on proving his on-field value to the Pats. Jones aligned opposite rookie Christian Gonzalez as the starting tandem at perimeter cornerback, while veteran Jonathan Jones aligned in the slot. The second-year corner demonstrated his keen instincts in coverage by breaking up a pair of passes, one of which was a near-certain score to DeVante Parker. 

Up Next

The Patriots will return to the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday for their seventh training camp practice. 

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