Training camp is a month. Whether it’s who stood out, who disappointed, or who got injured. These are the takeaways after one week.
Who Stood Out
Bledsoe has been the biggest surprise of camp so far. He’s been everywhere and has had multiple pass breakups, not something expected out of a late round draft pick. He missed last year due to a wrist/hand injury but this only made him hungrier to prove himself.
Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Devante Parker has shown his talent. Talent was never the issue with Parker, it was inconsistency and injuries, which defined his time in Miami.
He’s been dominant in the red zone. Using his size, he’s been able to make plays. His emergence has given quarterback Mac Jones another big catch radius target, alongside tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry.
Smith struggled at times last year. In his first season with the Patriots he made more of a difference as a blocker, while Henry made his impact through the air. During this year’s camp however, he’s been good as a pass catcher.
This gives the offense a red zone element they didn’t have last year. Now instead of having just Henry as the red zone threat, Smith and Parker give them three.
Head Coach Bill Belichick has been particularly impressed with new cornerback Terrance Mitchell. He came via free agency from the Houston Texans. His experience as a nine year veteran has given him the drive and urgency to make the most of his opportunities. His instincts and football intelligence has been noticeable.
Who’s Disappointed
No one player has been particularly bad but the offense has been more inconsistent as a group than the defensive side of the ball.
The first day the offense moved the ball well and had no major issues. The other three days have been bad. On day two they struggled to convert in the red zone, at one point they were stopped 10 straight times.
For day three Jones threw his first interception of camp after miscommunication with veteran WR Jakobi Meyers. After day four Jones quickly left the field because of frustration with himself and the offense.
Injuries
Wise and backup QB Brian Hoyer missed most of the first week. Especially during training camp it’s risky to pick up an injury. Unless the injured player is a star QB, your job could be in danger.
Hoyer has more to worry about with rookie QB Bailey Zappe on his heels than Wise does with defensive ends Henry Anderson and Anfernee Jennings. Anderson and Jennings are coming off of significant injuries, it may take them time to get back to full speed.
Other Takeaways
During the first week of training camp the practices are without pads. They also give special helmets for certain positions like offensive and defensive line. Harder to gauge the more physical positions without pads.
Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Mack Wilson and second year LB out of Michigan Cameron McGrone, give their position group another element.
Belichick usually prefers big, run stopping thumpers, but these two younger players give a speed not seen from Patriots LBs in a long time. Recently it’s been bigger safeties playing the role.
Make sure to continue to follow the Patriots here at Gridiron Heroics. Here’s an article on Davon Godchaux’s extension.
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