The New England Patriots kicked off their 2024 preseason with a game against the Carolina Panthers, with veteran Jacoby Brissett leading the team in a brief appearance before handing off to top draft pick Drake Maye. While both quarterbacks only played one series each, it was a valuable opportunity for Maye to gain experience as the team looks towards him as their quarterback of the future.
Brissett’s series opened with an 11-yard run by Rhamondre Stevenson, but quickly stalled with incomplete passes to Mitchell Wilcox and Tyquan Thornton. The rainy conditions at Gillette Stadium may have played a factor in the missed connections. On the other hand, Maye went 2-for-3 with short completions to running backs Antonio Gibson and Kevin Harris before the Patriots punted.
Throughout the game, the Patriots showcased their offensive talent, with Stevenson starting at running back and JuJu Smith-Schuster and Jalen Reagor getting playing time as wide receivers. The offensive line featured a mix of starters and backups, with Sidy Sow, David Andrews, and Mike Onwenu forming the interior trio. The ongoing competition for the offensive tackle spots has been a significant storyline in training camp.
The game also provided opportunities for rookies like Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, who saw snaps during the brief appearance of third-year pro Bailey Zappe. Overall, the Patriots’ first preseason game gave a glimpse into the team’s plans for the upcoming season as they continue to fine-tune their roster and determine the best lineup for success.
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