New England Patriots training camp recap: Offense has new mojo
New England Patriots football is back, and with that is an offense that has a new mojo. The Patriots' offense was full of energy on Wednesday morning, and it should have fans excited for what’s to come. The first day of camp was an overall positive day for the offense and quarterback Mac Jones.
Mac Jones says he feels a “good mojo” with the offense as training camp opens. pic.twitter.com/t6kPR4nhOR
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 26, 2023
The new energy and confidence started with Jones as he appears different from last year. I was down at training camp today, and I noticed that Jones looks stronger and in the best shape of his career. The confidence that Jones showed in the pocket and drills rubbed off on the rest of the offense. Positive energy always starts with the quarterback, and it looks like Jones has shifted his attitude this season.
The other notable change to the offense is new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. The change in coaching on the field is apparent as O’Brien was coaching up the receivers and setting up different offensive sets. A key focus for the Patriots was the red zone offense, which included a heavy dose of pick plays.
Biggest takeaway from first practice of Patriots training camp: Every play was in the low red-zone.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 26, 2023
When you finish 2022 last in the NFL in red-zone efficiency, that is a good place to start when turning the page to 2023.
The best performance of the day was from Ty Montgomery, who appears to have switched to a full-time wide receiver again. Montgomery was effective in 7 on 7 as he caught four touchdown passes. Montgomery’s best play of the day was a jump ball catch over Marte Mapu.
Offense struggled to seize momentum in low RZ reps, but Ty Montgomery was a standout
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) July 26, 2023
The versatile weapon caught 4 touchdowns from multiple alignments, with one coming in the back of the end zone late in Trace McSorley’s progression
The other positives were Juju Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne, who had high energy on Wednesday morning. Smith-Schuster made it a point to get the crowd going early in practice, and Bourne matched his energy. It’s great to see Bourne so happy and full of energy on the field, considering how poor his season was a year ago. The Patriots will be relying on Smith-Schuster and Bourne to help elevate Jones this season.
The only downside at the receiver position was Tyquan Thorton, who struggled in drills and the 7 on 7 period. Thornton will need to pick it up as training camp progresses because he could find himself slipping down the depth chart. The Patriots will hope that Thorton can avoid a year two slump.
Overall, it was a positive first day of camp for the Patriots, and there is reason to be excited about the offense.