Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was 4 of 8 passing for 61 yards in New England’s 20-10 win over Carolina in a preseason game Friday in Foxborough, Mass. Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
FOXBORO — The Patriots “new” offense was finally trotted out in game action, complete with some outside zone runs, and play-action bootlegs.
Mac Jones and the starters also got their first game snaps of the preseason in the Patriots 20-10 win over the Panthers.
Guess Bill Belichick felt confident unleashing both given the Panthers sat their starters, and threw out second and third-team players.
Even with a depleted offensive line — both starting tackles Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn were missing — Belichick still gave Jones & Co. the floor for three offensive series.
Does that mean there weren’t any meaningful takeaways to be had?
Oh no, there were plenty.
It was important to see Jones and the Patriots offense rolled out in a game. It was vital to see a group that had been struggling in practice for the most part, try to make the new offense work, or at least, look better than it had.
It was also important to answer a few questions.
First up, who called the plays for Jones?
Matt Patricia.
The team’s senior football advisor and offensive line coach had the laminated card in front of his face. As has been the case for much of training camp, Patricia was the coach in Jones’ ear. But Bill Belichick was close by, constantly flipping through a roll of papers.
And who sat with Jones to go over plays after each series? Backup Brian Hoyer. That’s right. He had the blue tablet and appeared to be pointing out things to Jones while Patricia tended to the offensive line. Judge, meanwhile, huddled with Bailey Zappe.
On occasion, Belichick, Patricia and Judge convened to the side, while Hoyer counseled Jones.
How did the offense look in between all of those coaching machinations?
Well, one word best describes the first two offensive series led by Jones: Yuck!
It was about as bad as it gets.
After that, there was life, and a nice, confidence-building drive, aided by a perfectly-thrown 45-yard bomb from Jones to Nelson Agholor. Jones and the starters really needed to put a competent drive together, and answered the bell.
Before that, though, it was tough to watch.
While there had been signs of progress during the week, all of that seemed to land in the toilet. Jones & Co. started with two miserable three-and-outs.
To say the least, it was a disorganized mess.
Jones’ first three throws in those opening two series fell incomplete. He threw behind DeVante Parker on a slant, threw high to Jakobi Meyers, then appeared to cross signals with Rhamondre Stevenson on a short third-down toss.
Damien Harris did rip off a 6-yard run on the first play of the opening series, but that was the lone highlight. Throw in a sack of Jones, and it was not the best start, as the offense couldn’t muster a first down against the Panthers scrubs.
But before calling for the undertaker, Jones and the starting offense got off the mat.
Starting from the 19, Jones found a little rhythm. It probably helped that his protection also improved.
A couple of quick passes, one to Meyers, the other to Agholor, and the Patriots started to move the chains.
Ty Montgomery also pumped some life in the offense, both running and catching the football.
Then, the pivotal moment. Facing a 3rd-and-4 from the 37 at the start of the second quarter, it all changed.
It was interesting that during the break between quarters, it was Belichick who walked over to chat with Jones, who was tossing the ball near the sideline to stay loose. Whatever Belichick said to his young quarterback, it worked.
On the very next play, Jones stepped up in the pocket and lofted a bomb down the left sideline to Agholor, who got a step on Keith Taylor Jr., pulled the ball in, and the Patriots were back in business.
The completion went for 45 yards, and set up the Pats at the 13-yard line. A 7-yard scramble by Jones, and two runs by Montgomery, and the Patriots had finally hit paydirt.
So after looking shaky to start, Jones and Agholor, who was a star during the second joint practice, hooked up for a huge play and Montgomery finished the deal with a 2-yard run.
Ten plays, 81 yards, and all of a sudden the outlook wasn’t so grim.
Again, it was against second-teamers, but it was important for Jones & Co. to end on a good note, no matter the opponent.
After scoring to give the Pats a 7-3 lead in the second quarter, Jones’ night was over. He finished 4 of 8 for 61 yards.
So, there was some good during Jones’ three series, but also some elements that will cause more worry and concern.
Yes, it remains a work in progress, and yes, it takes time to get everyone on the same page breaking in all the new elements.
Bottom line: The offense isn’t out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination.
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