The New England Patriots are in the victory column and defeat the Carolina Panthers 20-10 in their second preseason game of the year. Mac Jones played a total of three series while a handful of other Patriot regulars played deep in the competition.
Here’s who caught our eye on Friday night, for better or for worse.
Winner: WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey. For the second straight game, Humphrey was a playmaker on New England’s offense. He clinched five receptions for a team clearance of 71 yards and continued to feast down the seam and at center field. Humphrey’s playmaking skills extended to special teams as well when he had one of the plays of the night and threw a punt back onto the field that was knocked down at the four yard line.
Humphrey has been developing a lot lately, moving towards a 53-man roster spot. With his playing ability in midfield and with his 6ft 4 frame, one might wonder if he could switch to a hybrid tight end, something Bill Belichick alluded to after the game.
Winners: LB Mack Wilson Sr. and LB Raekwon McMillan. The Patriots’ new linebackers had plenty of play time Friday night and were impressed. Wilson’s speed and physicality continue to spread across the field. On one run, he read Matt Corral’s eyes perfectly and nearly intercepted a double slant combo route. A few games later, he rallied to the ball and helped Terrance Mitchell stop Rashard Higgins just short of the sticks in third. Belichick called Wilson an “explosive” player who brings speed to defense, and he’s proven that consistently this offseason.
As for McMillan, he continues to play a big part in the team’s plan for this season. He showed his athleticism on Friday night by recording six tackles and making life difficult for Carolina’s pass catchers off the backfield.
Loser: OL James Ferentz. Ferentz pulled the start on the right touchline while New England continued to shuffle around their battered offensive line. It wasn’t a nice night for the veteran. On New England’s opening drive, Ferentz was blown off the line by Julian Stanford, resulting in a sack for Mac Jones. Later in the game he stopped a promising drive with a late strike against Kenny Robinson – this week’s instigator from Carolina. Ferentz still seems primed for the role of Ted Karras with his offensive versatility, but it’s been a tough week.
Winner: CB Jonathan Jones. As he did at camp, Jones saw most of his snaps at outside cornerback for the Patriots. Jones held his own on two third-down go routes, batting a ball away from 6-foot-5 Keith Kirkwood on one try. Jones has played himself into the role of helping create quality depth in the Patriots’ cornerback room.
Winner: The Pass Rush. The New England pass rush was selected Friday night and recorded five sacks and a handful of pressure. Josh Uche, who smoked sixth overall winner Ikem Ekwonu in a speed frenzy, and Anfernee Jennings continue to offer value on the fringe.
Deatrich Wise Jr. continued to terrorize Carolina Tackles by also beating Ekwonu for a sack. Ronnie Perkins recorded a sack early in the fourth quarter and had a strong pursuit against Matt Corral. DaMarcus Mitchell recorded a sack and a forced fumble in the closing minutes, which Sam Roberts recovered for a touchdown.
The Patriots put on a powerful pressure package Friday night and could have some hidden gems on the depth chart.
Loser: WR Tre Nixon. Nixon’s final stat line of six catches (team-high) for 56 yards may look promising, but the sophomore wide receiver ended up having some negative games for New England. Early in the fourth quarter, Nixon was unable to get a deep touchdown from Bailey Zappe. It wasn’t a perfect pass and there was some content, but it was a ball that a player fighting for a squad spot would rather come down with. He was also the intended recipient of Zappe’s pick-six, and he didn’t really seem expecting the ball to come his way. With another strong play from Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Nixon may have taken a step back on the depth chart.
Other notable players include Ty Montgomery, who continues to be involved in offense. Montgomery was on the field during her first goal drive, finding wage dirt herself and making the most of multiple touches. Kevin Harris and JJ Taylor stayed at the running backs and provided some bursts from the backfield in the second half. Nelson Agholor continued his strong week by catching a 45-yard completion from Mac Jones.
In the sales department, Joshuah Bledsoe forced a fumble while Shaun Wade and Brenden Schooler caught interceptions. High school student and fellow UDFA DaMarcus Mitchell also opened the game in the starting kickoff unit. On the other end of the spectrum is Bailey Zappe, who threw a bad looking pick six.
Nick Folk was 1-on-1 on field goal attempts (38 yards) and extra point attempts. Tristan Vizcaino had a field goal from 51 yards and an extra point, but also shoved a 53-yard try wide to the right.