By Darryl Harding Sr –
First preseason Patriots game was played against the Carolina Panthers resulting in stellar results as the Pats dominated, especially defensively. New head coach Jerod Mayo debuts with a formidable defense performance recording five sacks from five different players, including LB Christian Ellis and DE Deitrich Wise Jr.
Looking stout and holding a Panthers offense to a single field goal, New England attempts to build on a strong beginning. First round pick QB Drake Maye came in for the second Patriot series making his NFL debut after being picked 3rd overall.
Completing his first pass, a 13 yard toss to RB Antonio Gibson, Maye went 2 for 3 racking up 19 yards total. Only one possession played Mayo commented on Maye’s gameplay, “that was always the plan… to get him in for one series.”
QB Jacoby Brissett started the game but was done after only three attempted passes. Brissett rejoins the Patriots after being drafted by them in 2016, then traded to Indianapolis. QB Bailey Zappe was at the helm the remainder of the first half and majority of the 3rd quarter.
Throwing 12-of-20 for 108 yards, Zappe set up New England’s first TD with a 28 yard pass to WR Kayshon Boutte that led to a RB Kevin Harris 2 yard touchdown. Sixth round pick QB Joe Milton III, from Tennessee entered the game and completed 4-of-6 for 58 yards, including a 38-yard dime to WR JaQuae Jackson for a touchdown.
Seemingly comfortable in and out of the pocket, Milton skillfully scrambled for 22 yards during his play. Although the Panthers never played any of their regular projected starters, which explains Carolina’s lackluster offensive performance, New England looked decent in all phases of the game and fans can look forward to a solid rebuilding year.