Last year the New England Patriots were, quite frankly, offensive when trying to score.
This year, when VP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf promised to try to “weaponize the offense,” the early results indicate the Pats may just be a bit more dangerous to other teams when going on the offensive.
Under sunny late spring conditions on the practice fields outside Gillette Stadium, the Patriots worked in front of the media at OTAs (organized team activities) on Wednesday. This was their fourth day of OTAs, second with media present. Considering the difficulty the Patriots had scoring last season (they were 30th in the NFL), much emphasis has been placed on the offense, from free agency to the draft to practice and more.
On Tuesday, Wolf appeared on “Up & Adams with Kay Adams” on FanDuel TV and said his only regret thus far was only taking one defensive player in the draft, an obvious nod to the need to bring in youth, speed and talent to an offense that struggled mightily last season…and that’s putting it mildly.
While QBs Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe and Drake Maye (who just inked his rookie deal on Tuesday) all got in work, it was the receivers once again who stood out in a positive way. Wide receiver has been a weakness on the Pats for a while now, and it seems the competition, which head coach Jerod Mayo said last week was “wide open,” will indeed be worth watching. And if you’re watching, you’ll likely see Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker working side-by-side as they’ve been doing so often this spring.
Baker, the fourth-round rookie out of Central Florida, known for his energy, attitude and highlight reel catches, made two spectacular plays on the day.
Again, it’s May, and there’s no contact, but seeing the dynamic rookie showcase his playmaking ability already is a positive sign. Veteran free agent QB, and de facto starter, Jacoby Brissett said Baker is improving every day. Long way till the practice games and especially the regular season, but you can bet fans will be fired up to see Baker in action once the gates to training camp open in late July. Some other noteworthy bits from Day 2 of OTAs…
**Tyquan Thornton looks to be continuing his positive offseason (where he added muscle mass), improving his route running and also making a highlight worthy catch. Thornton,a third-year receiver out of Baylor, was hobbled by injuries his rookie season and inconsistent play in his sophomore season.
**Drake Maye showed accuracy and arm strength aplenty, but the most consistent QB on the field was Jacoby Brissett. Brissett, entering his ninth season, said he likes the offensive being installed by OC Alex Van Pelt, noting, “They tailor the offense around the quarterback and the things he can do.” Brissett also has been a champion of rookie Drake Maye thus far, noting his effort to improve, adding that when it comes to his role as a veteran mentor he’s looking to be an asset for Maye. “Positive reinforcement, man. Trying to instill that confidence in him and show him that he’s getting better.”
**On the defensive side of the ball, both head coach Jerod Mayo and veteran defensive end Deatrich Wise are impressed with second year end Keion White. Mayo seems most impressed with White’s leadership on and off the field.
**Some notable absences from OTAs include Matthew Judon (who recently confirmed he’s not looking to go anywhere this season), rookie QB Joe Milton and defensive linemen Davon Godchaux and Christian Barmore (who landed a massive four-year, $92 million extension this offseason).
As many bright spots, from inside the film room to outside on the practice field, that the Patriots can get, the coaches and fans alike will be more than receptive to them all. It’s a long way to the season, and the schedule is a tough one (10th in terms of strength of schedule), so the Pats will need all the firepower they can get to keep up in the AFC East.
Voluntary OTAs continue for the Patriots through May 31, then again June 3-4 and 6-7 before mandatory minicamp June 11-13. For the latest on who is making big catches or catching everyone’s eye, make sure to stay tuned to WEEI 93.7 FM, WEEI.com and The 6 Rings & Football Things podcast.