Game week has officially arrived in Foxborough as the Patriots assumed their in-season routine on Wednesday including press conferences with Jerod Mayo and starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett as well as access to the locker room and a brief glimpse at practice.
"We're excited for the opportunity to get into the regular season," said Mayo. "I think the guys are ready to go. I had a conversation with them this morning about how we need to play the game, how we need to be fundamentally sound and be prepared for anything. This is a high-awareness game, and it's always like that at the beginning part of the season."
"The intensity of the first game of the season is definitely there. The attention detail was there. So it was a good day. You got to keep stacking them now," said Brissett, who added of Mayo's first regular season meeting, "You can kind of feel his energy... he didn't dip his toe in the team meeting today. He kind of really got after it, so it was good."
Inside the locker room, there was also a notable shift in tone, as two of the team's defensive leaders told reporters they were ready to get on with the new campaign and excited to face a high-powered offense with one of the best quarterbacks in the league at its helm.
"[Burrow]'s a veteran quarterback at this point, he's able to recognize defenses really quickly, make the right throws, not always the tough throws. He'll make the right throw, whether it's a check down away from pressure. He always makes the right throw. So it'll be a tough challenge," said cornerback Jonathan Jones.
As for the uncertain status of star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, Jones said the team was preparing for him to play. Chase was a participant at Bengals practice as signs could be pointing towards the Bengals offense being at full strength when they take the field on Sunday.
"[Chase] is just one of those few guys who have the size and the speed. You know, most guys have either one. He's a guy who has size and speed," said Jones. "Contested catches, he can make those and he can also break away and take a short pass and go the distance."
"[Chase] is a great competitor," said Mayo. "You see him going up, battling with corners and safeties. He's a great competitor. That's the one non-physical thing I would say about him that makes him a special player."
Jones figures to be a big part of any plan meant to slow down Chase, as will second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The starting duo will also have to contend with Tee Higgins, while a handful of new supporting players will look to round out the Bengal attack, including former Patriot Mike Gesicki and running back Zack Moss.
Despite the many challenges the Bengals present nothing can dull the excitement to start the season.
"I'm hype about it," said Ja'Whaun Bentley. "I'm hyped to get the season rolling. I'm hyped to get into the lifestyle and routine, all that good stuff. I'm excited to play a football game."
Practice Notes
In a positive development it appeared that left tackle Vederian Lowe had made strides in his recovery from a reported oblique injury. He looked to be a more active participant in the early stages of practice that were open to reporters.
On the other hand, Sidy Sow continues to be the lone absence from the 53-man roster. Nick Leverett and practice squadder Michael Jordan appear to be the top options at left guard if Sow is unable to go.
The first injury report of the season included:
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
G Sidy Sow, Ankle
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
CB Jonathan Jones, Hamstring
T Vederian Lowe, Abdomen
LB Joshua Uche, Foot
LB Oshane Ximines, Ankle
FULL PARTICIPATION
LB Christian Elliss, Concussion
TE Hunter Henry, Foot
LB Anfernee Jennings, Wrist
DE Deatrich Wise Jr, Hamstring
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