Patriots Training Camp: Gesicki Makes (Another) One-Hand Catch; Day 12 Notebook

Based on their usage on Day 12, the New England Patriots appear set to rest their presumed starters in their preseason opener against the Houston Texans.

FOXBORO — Despite a slow start to his first New England Patriots training camp, tight end Mike Gesicki is making his presence felt in a big way. 

The Pats offseason acquisition possesses both the size and speed to be effective as a receiver out of the slot, or even out wide. Yet, it was his athleticism which was on full display during the Pats 12th camp practice. 

Gesicki delivered the undisputed play of the summer by making a one-hand “touchdown” catch over safeties Jabrill Peppers and Myles Bryant in double coverage along the back line of the end zone. Gesicki showed tremendous body control by securing the pass from quarterback Mac Jones, while keeping both feet in bounds.

Needless to say, Gesicki’s grab was the standout moment on a day in which the Pats practiced with full pads — as well as  referees — in preparation for the preseason debut against the Houston Texans on Thursday night. 

Here were some of Day 12’s additional highlights 

Roll Call

Cornerback Jonathan Jones, guard Cole Strange, swing lineman Bill Murray and running back/receiver Ty Montgomery did not participate. 

Though his signing was made official prior to the start of the day’s session, defensive end Trey Flowers did not take part in practice. When asked about a timeframe for his return to the field, coach Bill Belichick told reporters: “[Trey] hasn’t played in a while, got injured in September of last year, so yeah, we’ll see.” The Pats subsequently placed Flowers on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, with the ability to be activated at any time. 

Offensive tackle Calvin Anderson remains on the non-football illness list (NFI), while right guard Micheal Onwenu and safety Cody Davis continue their respective stays on PUP.

Quarterback Snapshot

Mac Jones completed 10 of 13 during team drills. Unlike previous practices, the 24-year-old Pats starter began the day’s session with non-competitive pass sessions with Gesicki, Hunter Henry, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne. The bulk of Jones’ reps came toward the end of practice, where he was once again forced to overcome shoddy protection from the offensive line. He turned in some solid work in the red zone, including the aforementioned connection with Gesicki. Based on Jones’ usage, it seems unlikely that he will play against Houston on Thursday night. 

Bailey Zappe was the first man up on Tuesday, completing 4 of 5 in team drills. The Western Kentucky product appears to be the Pats choice to start against the Texans. Zappe connected on an impressive scoring strike to receiver Tyquan Thornton, his first such training camp reception to date. Like Jones, Zappe was able to effectively deal with poor protection from the Pats o-line. 

Trace McSorley saw limited action, going 2 of 2 in team drills. The four-year veteran is the most-likely candidate to relieve Zappe of his duties in preseason game 1. 

Malik Cunningham also saw meaningful snaps during team drills, completing 4 of 5. Cunningham’s athleticism, along with his dual-threat capabilities, potentially make him an intriguing player to watch against Houston. 

Offense Observations

With New England’s presumed starters unlikely to play on Thursday — such as Jones, Gesicki, Henry, Smith-Schuster, Bourne and Rhamondre Stevenson — Tyquan Thornton, along with rookies Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte received extended looks both in team drills and one-on-one exercises. Perhaps aware of the recent speculation surrounding his roster spot, Thornton practiced with a bit of authority on Thursday. In addition to his previously-mentioned touchdown from Zappe, Thornton caught three passes, while also showcasing his impressive speed by beating out rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez during one-on-ones.

Having been sidelined for nearly all of the Pats’ team drills to date, left tackle Trent Brown was a full participant. With Brown returning to his customary place along the o-line, veterans Conor McDermott and Riley Reiff rotated at right tackle, with rookie Sidy Sow also getting some looks at the position. While it is unclear as to whether Brown will take any snaps at left tackle against the Texans, the battle for the right side is shaping up to be a three-man race. 

Defense Observations

With the offensive line continuing to find its footing, the defenisve front continues to shine. Linebackers Matthew Judon and Josh Uche, defensive end Keion White and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux all had impressive wins during one-on-one drills against their o-line counterparts. 

The Pats pass rush was particularly impressive, with Judon, Uche, Sam Roberts (2) and Anfernee Jennings (2) accounting for six sacks on the Pats quarterbacks. 

Up Next: 

The Patriots will enjoy an off-day on Wednesday before taking the field for their first preseason game against the Houston Texans at 7 p.m. on Thursday night from Gillette Stadium. 

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