Foxboro, Mass. — A preseason game in the rain between two teams projected to be among the NFL’s worst went about as you’d expect.
Together, the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots managed just 20 points, 15 penalties, and 18 punts. The Pats ultimately prevailed 17-3, but as is customary in the preseason, the performances were more important than the outcome.
Considering that, let us look at who is stock increased and who decreased following the first of New England’s three exhibition games.
Fallers
Offensive operation
The Patriots definitely wanted to see their offense execute well, even though they understood that it was only a preseason game and the starters would not get many reps. Their hope was that everything would function as intended, even if it did not look perfect.
That didn’t happen.
After 17 plays, the Patriots had four penalties. In their first three drives, they experienced two false starts.
On his lone drive, the offense was behind the chains due to Chukwuma Okorafor’s false start with Drake Maye on the second snap. All in all, that group’s work was far too careless. With a combined practice against the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, they will need to make things right.
Meaningful quarterback snaps
Let us state the following disclaimers up front: It most likely does not matter. August is here. The preseason is underway. The season will not be much affected by it, most likely.
Nevertheless, it was unexpected that Jerod Mayo handed Bailey Zappe, the quarterback least likely to make the squad, so many snaps. And it was unfortunate that he gave Maye so little of them.
From the first quarter to the third, Zappe played seven possessions; Jacoby Brissett only saw one, Maye saw one, and rookie Joe Milton saw the remaining two.
There were two easy criques to that plan.
First: Could you please play Maye more? Should the Patriots plan to use him as their backup quarterback, would not it be preferable to offer him as many opportunities now rather than having him sit on the sidelines come football season? Although it may not be ideal for him to play behind a poor offensive line, that is the current state of affairs. The Patriots’ quarterback, whoever he is, will operate behind a poor line. It will take some getting used to.
The second is: Is Zappe, who went 12-of-20 for 108 yards, really worth playing so much? It is highly unlikely that he will make the 53-man roster. It is difficult to see this as a showcase for a potential trade, since teams are not going to suddenly place greater value on his preseason performance versus the Carolina backups than they did on his performance against starters last season. It was just strange. Give Milton the snaps if you do not want to give them to Maye; he made the most of his opportunities with two lengthy scrambles and a 38-yard touchdown pass.
GET UP @KayshonBoutte1!!
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2024
📺: @wbzsports pic.twitter.com/TKOl5FsdZ0
TE Mitchell Wilcox
Wilcox started opposite Austin Hooper with Hunter Henry on the sidelines. However, he did not take full use of the chance.
What has been a recurring problem for him throughout training camp was brought to light by two drops in the first half. It was a difficult game after a run of subpar practices, but he did come down with a hard catch at the half.
Risers
DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
He’s listed first for a reason. No one was better on Thursday night.
Pharms Jr. had a sack, and the Panthers had holding penalties on consecutive plays as a result of his presence in the backfield.
The loss of Christian Barmore is significant, even if the Patriots defense is still expected to perform well. It will be difficult to replace him.
But Pharms Jr. had a very impressive debut at taking on that role, a good sign for the Pats.
LB Anfernee Jennings
His inclusion on this list is a result of his rush of the quarterback as well as his skill at setting the edge.
Everyone is aware of his strength when running. He so contributes significantly to this defense. However, Jennings saw that Panthers quarterback Jack Plummer had not secured the ball while he was being sacked and made a smart play in the first half. After Jennings freed the ball, he stumbled and fell. In the first place, it was good to see him in the backfield to make that play. All things considered, Jennings had a strong performance and has the potential to be a key member of the defense.
WR Kayshon Boutte
Boutte needed a performance like this as he pursued his unlikely goal of making the squad. It will not be simple; he will likely need to defeat Jalen Reagor and JuJu Smith-Schuster, two players who are stronger than Tyquan Thornton, to be on the roster. However, Thursday started off well.
On the first drive of the second half, Boutte had a chance to come down with a deep throw but was unable to do so; otherwise, he played well. With three catches for 53 yards, he finished.
GET UP @KayshonBoutte1!!
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2024
📺: @wbzsports pic.twitter.com/TKOl5FsdZ0
S Dell Pettus
The undrafted youngster improved upon his strong practices from the previous week. Despite his small stature (5 feet 10) and lack of agility, Pettus is a strong, physically tough safety who has the potential to contribute. He is likely the undrafted rookie with the best chance of making the first 53-man roster after making a nice play against the run in the first half.
C Nick Leverett
Leverett filled in for David Andrews throughout a portion of training camp, and the offensive line performed flawlessly. He has appeared to be the Patriots’ most potent offensive tackle who is not Mike Onwenu at times.
Leverett led his guy halfway into the end zone on Thursday’s first score, which he completed with a pancake block. The Patriots can feel good about their backup center position with Leverett performing this well.
Kevo crashing 💥@kevoharris1 | #NEPats
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2024
📺: @wbzsports pic.twitter.com/VCuv0rzPCD
(Photo of Drake Maye and Antonio Gibson: Eric Canha / USA Today)
