Patriots Training Camp: Red-Zone Offense Struggles; Day 2 Notebook

The New England Patriots continue to exhibit some growing pains on offense during Day 2 of training camp.

FOXBORO — The first day was so nice, the New England Patriots decided to do it twice.

The Pats returned to the practice fields for Day 2 of training camp practices in Foxboro. Under partly cloudy skies, New England continues to put in the work as they progress for the 2023 season.

Here are some of the highlights of the second day of Pats camp sessions:

Roll Call:

As was the case on Wednesday, the only notable absences were 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 has non-football illness (NFI) list designation. 

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson and linebacker Matthew Judon were present, but saw limited action on the field. 

Patriots team owner Robert Kraft was in attendance both before and during practice. 

Quarterback Snapshot:

Once again, Mac Jones shook some of his early struggles to salvage a day which focused heavily on end zone corner fades. The Pats starter went 0 for 4  during 7-on-7 drills, but completed 6 of 10 passes in 11-on-11s with an interception.

While many of Jones’ incompletions can be attributed to attempting low-percentage throws on corner routes, the 24-year-old appeared to be forcing the ball at times — most notably on the final play of 11s when he attempted to throw across his body, but was intercepted by Kyle Dugger for the second straight day. As a self imposed penalty, Jones immediately took to the ground for a series of pushups.  Jones did manage some highlights, with touchdown passes to JuJu Smith-Schuster and arguably his best throw of the day on a deep crosser off play-action to DeVante Parker.  

Bailey Zappe had the stronger day overall, connecting on 6 of 10 passes  11-on-11s. He also completed 3 of 4  in 7-on-7s working mostly against the second team defense. Zappe’s best throw came on a touchdown strike to tight end Matt Sokol in tight coverage. 

Veteran Trace McSorley also saw limited action, completing 0 of 2 in 7s and 2 of 4 during 11-on-11s. 

Offense Observations:

Based on the usage of both tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is poised to incorporate a significant amount of 12-personnel packages this season. Leading the way to earn the third tight end spot is veteran Matt Sokol. Despite spending much of 2022 on the practice squad, Sokol is using his system knowledge to his advantage to enhance his skill set. In addition to blocking in select packages, Sokol is also making plays in the passing game — including a contested-catch touchdown over defensive back Jalen Mills and a diving catch over safety Joshuah Bledsoe, both on throws from Zappe. 

The Patriots focused almost exclusively on installing their red-zone offense. Though O’Brien’s influence is already demonstrating a significantly greater amount of cohesion than we saw last year at this time, there is still much work to be done. New England’s quarterbacks struggled to develop timing with their pass-catchers, resulting in both miscues and incompletions. Of course, it is once again noted that both Jones and Zappe were attempting to complete passes (crossers, corner fades, etc) with a high degree of difficulty. Accordingly, providing a more thorough assessment, or judgement of the team’s offensive performance will not truly be possible until the start of padded practices. 

Defense Observations:

Rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez once again remains at the top of the team’s depth chart, taking all of his reps with the starting unit. The No. 17 overall pick spent much of his morning mirroring receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Though he surrendered a touchdown catch in tight coverage, Gonzalez also broke up a Mac Jones-pass intended for the veteran pass-catcher. New England is leaving little doubt as to wether they view the former Oregon Duck as the team’s alpha perimeter corner. 

Overall, the defense had a solid day, and once again won the day’s battle with the offense. In addition to Dugger’s interception, cornerback Jack Jones contributed two pass breakups while playing against the second-team offense. Gonzalez, linebacker Jahlani Tavai and defensive back Rodney Randle, Jr. also disrupted passes during team drills. Tavai, along with fellow linebacker Josh Uche, each logged would-be sacks.  

Up Next: 

The Patriots will return to the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium at 9:30 a.m. on Friday for their third training camp practice of 2023. 

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