The Jerod Mayo era in New England has kicked off with a positive start as the Patriots secured a 17-3 win against the Carolina Panthers in their preseason opener at Gillette Stadium. This victory, although just an exhibition, offered a glimpse into the team's potential under their new head coach.
The game unfolded under challenging weather conditions, with steady rain affecting both teams' offensive performances early on. Neither team found much rhythm initially, with a combined total of nine punts marking the slow start. It wasn't until Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe orchestrated a drive that ended in a Kevin Harris touchdown run that the scoreboard saw any action in the first half.
As the game progressed, New England's offense found its footing, largely thanks to rookie quarterback Joe Milton III. Milton, a sixth-round pick from Tennessee, provided the spark that the game desperately needed. Taking over in the second half, Milton led two scoring drives, including a standout 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver JaQuae Jackson, which was the highlight of the evening. Milton's impressive debut could put pressure on Zappe as the competition for roster spots heats up.
Carolina, on the other hand, opted to rest many of their key players, including their starting quarterback, Bryce Young. In his absence, Jack Plummer took most of the snaps but struggled to find success, completing 11 of 21 passes for just 86 yards while being sacked five times. The Panthers’ offense never really got going, with Plummer facing consistent pressure from the Patriots' defense.
Among the Patriots' standout performances, Milton wasn’t the only rookie to shine. Wide receiver Javon Baker showed promise despite modest stats, and fellow rookie David Wallis made an impact in the return game, including a 23-yard punt return that set up New England's first touchdown.
As for Carolina's rookie quarterback Drake Maye, his debut was brief. Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, played only one series, completing two of his three passes for 19 yards. Although his action was limited, he showed poise and a strong arm, leaving fans eager to see more in future games.
Second-year wide receiver Kayshon Boutte also had a mixed performance, with three catches for 53 yards, but he did drop a few passes in the second half. Despite these hiccups, Boutte’s key reception in the first half played a crucial role in setting up the Patriots’ initial touchdown. With a crowded receiver room, Boutte will need to build on his strong moments to secure a spot on the final roster.
Looking ahead, the Patriots will continue their preseason with a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, which will follow joint practices between the two teams. Meanwhile, the Panthers return to Charlotte, where they will prepare to face the New York Jets.
For New England, the first game under Jerod Mayo was a success, showing potential on both sides of the ball and setting the stage for what could be an intriguing preseason as roster battles unfold.
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