The Patriots kicked off the 2024 preseason and the Jerod Mayo era with a 17-3 win over the Carolina Panthers in a wet slog that featured mostly backups.
Rookie Drake Maye saw the first live action of his pro career while second-year player Kayshon Boutte came down with the catch of the game, a 28-yarder thrown above his head that set up the first half's only score. Fellow rookie Joe Milton had a strong debut as well, leading two scoring drives in the fourth quarter.
Defensive lineman Jeremiah Pharms was a defensive standout, notching a sack to go with four combined tackles in a disruptive night that should boost his roster chances.
As is always the case in the preseason, the result isn't of much importance. Rather it's about establishing a baseline of performance and showing the rookies how an actual NFL game goes. In those regards it was a successful night and one to build off of for the Patriots.
Here are the key moments and takeaways from a season-starting affair!
1. Drake Debuts
Starter Jacoby Brissett played just one series, picking up a first down from a nice Rhamondre Stevenson run that he bounced outside and just missing a deep shot to Tyquan Thornton, who appeared to have a step on the Panthers cornerback downfield.
A second-straight three-and-out for the Pats defense set the stage for rookie Drake Maye's debut on the second drive of the game, with the Gillette Stadium crowd giving the rookie a healthy cheer as he walked onto the field. The offense was able to overcome a false start penalty and convert a 3rd-and-12 with a screen pass to Antonio Gibson on Maye's only series, however a second 3rd-and-long fell short of the sticks when Kevin Harris couldn't convert a checkdown from Maye that went for six yards.
It was a quiet first series for the third overall pick in which he just missed a downfield connection with Jalen Reagor that was difficult for the receiver to corral, perhaps with the wet weather being a factor. However, it was a good "get your feet wet" kind of moment for Maye, both figuratively and literally.
Maye was lifted for Bailey Zappe on the third drive of the game and the veteran QB played well into the third quarter before giving way to rookie Joe Milton who finished out the game.
2. Defense Does What it's Done
The Panthers chose to sat nearly all of their impact starters while the Patriots gave many of theirs at least a series. Defensively, New England held a decided edge in the first quarter, forcing three punts. Deatrich Wise and Jeremiah Pharms both picked up sacks, while Anfernee Jennings and Oshane Ximines set strong edges against the run and Shaun Wade had an impressive pass breakup.
The Panthers picked up just 12 net yards on their first three possessions as New England's top-end players came ready to play with their aggressive style that is usually reserved for the regular season.
It looked like the six padded practice served them well as New England was also dominant on third down throughout the night.
3. Boutte, Bailey Break the Stalemate
It was a battle of punts well into the second quarter before the Patriots managed to put a drive together, sparked by a 23-yard punt return by David Wallis that finally gave them solid starting field position in Carolina territory.
Bailey Zappe then hit Kayshon Boutte on 3rd-and-10 for a 28-yard strike. Boutte showed strong hands to bring the pass in as the rain continued to come down and it continued a hot streak for the second-year receiver who turned in a strong practice last Tuesday in the lead-up to the game. He'd add another 16-yard reception with the first half winding down, again flashing those strong hands, Boutte's most impressive trait.
Kevin Harris finished off the five-play, 31-yard scoring drive with a two-yard touchdown run up the middle. Chad Ryland, embroiled in a competition with Joey Slye, added on the extra point with a successful kick that gave New England a 7-0 lead.
4. Milton, Jennings Bring Late Spark
Bailey Zappe played over two quarters but the offense was able to produce just one score. Joe Milton entered the game late in the third quarter and provided a bit of a spark completing his first pass then, two plays later, running all over the field and getting 12 yards to sustain the drive. Milton broke the pocket, dodged two defenders, then reversed field and turned it up for the gain.
In a game mostly devoid of big offensive plays, Milton's run was one of the more entertaining moments.
The drive would stall but the offense picked up enough yardage to secure three more points from a 42-yard field goal from Slye, who matched Ryland's successful extra point.
Milton would lead another scoring drive on the next possession, hitting JaQuae Jackson for a 38-yard touchdown. Undrafted rookie running back Terrell Jennings also played a key role on the drive, posting a 20-yard run to set up the eventual score. It was the biggest rushing play for either team on the night. Jennings made the most of his late chances, leading the team in rushing.
It was an encouraging debut for Milton, especially after not seeing a ton of practice reps over the first two weeks of training camp. Those reps could expand in coming practices.
5. We're On to the Eagles
The Patriots will be off for the next two days before returning to the practice fields on Sunday and Monday in preparation for one joint practice against the Eagles scheduled for Tuesday. It should be a telling three days after the coaches review the game film and adjust their depth charts. The team should also hope to welcome back some of their injured players like Marcus Jones and Marte Mapu or perhaps a resolution to Matthew Judon's contract concerns.
For the offensive starters it was a limited sample size but a good way to get the ball rolling against live action. Defensively, some young players stood out and set the stage for roster pushes in the coming weeks.
The second week of the preseason has been one of the most interesting of the new three-game summer slate and the talented Eagles should test the Patriots in all the right spots where they need to be tested, especially at cornerback and against an offense that features a mobile quarterback who can twist defenses in a pretzel.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
