Patriots United? QBs Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe Lead Offseason Workouts
FOXBORO — With the New England Patriots’ offseason workout program set to begin on April 17, some members of the team look to be getting a head start on their preparations for the upcoming 2023 season.
While the winds of aggregated controversy continuing to surround quarterback Mac Jones and his future in a Pats uniform, it appears that the third-year starter was back in business this week, per a report from long-time Patriots reporter Mike Giardi.
Jones was joined by fellow quarterback Bailey Zappe, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton and recently-signed tight end Mike Gesicki at the South Walpole Community Athletic Complex for an informal throwing session.
Additional accounts showed that tight end Scotty Washington and running back Pierre Strong were also in attendance.
While offseason workouts of this type are hardly atypical for the Patriots (Jones also led similar sessions in 2022), it is a clear sign that this group of teammates is placing the needs of the team above any outside desire to stoke the flames of recent tendentious narratives.
More importantly, this particular round of warmups may provide some insight on the development of each primary participant heading into 2023.
Let’s take a look:
Mac Jones
Though he entered 2022 on the heels of an impressive rookie campaign, Jones struggled to rekindle his previous success in his second year. Ultimately, he finished the season with 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, as the Patriots limped to an 8-9 record. For the second time in three seasons, New England failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Throughout the season, Jones displayed notable discomfort in New England's new offensive system under the direction of offensive play-caller Matt Patricia and quarterback coach Joe Judge. At times, the disconnect between the players and the coaching staff was so overt that Jones was observed hurling expletive-laden frustrations, believed to be in the direction of his coaches. Jones’ frustrations were strong enough to reportedly seek advice from outside the organization — a decision which led not only to friction with coach Bill Belichick, but has also embroiled the 24-year-old in offseason trade speculation.
Despite the purported turmoil, Jones continues to steadfastly approach the 2023 season. In addition to Tuesday’s throwing session, the Alabama product has been one of a handful of players who has remained in the region for the majority of the offseason. In fact, Jones has been described as a “daily presence” at Gillette Stadium, thus far; using team facilities to train and throw. He has also enlisted the help of former NFL quarterback Nic Shimonek in adopting an improved physical and mental preparation regimen.
Most notably, Jones is expected to benefit from the offensive scheme of new coordinator Bill O’Brien, with whom he briefly worked during their overlap period with the Crimson Tide in 2021.
Bailey Zappe
As for Zappe, his presence at Tuesday’s session is also significant, as the second-year reserve quarterback may be competing for the starting job.
When asked in March about the Pats' quarterback position entering the NFL Draft, Belichick offered a cryptic indication that Jones has yet to be anointed as the team’s opening day starter.
“Everybody will get a chance to play,” Belichick said. “We’ll play the best players.”
While Jones was shelved due to a high ankle sprain in October, Zappe performed well. The rookie demonstrated poise, as well as comfort within the Patriots system. He led the Patriots to a 2-0 record during the games in which he started. Zappe finished the season completing 65 of 92 passes for 781 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.
Like Jones, Zappe has also been hard at work this offseason. In fact, both he and Thornton were spotted training together in early February. If he can muster enough of a showing during training camp, he may earn a more prominent role in the Pats offense for 2023.
Tyquan Thornton
Following his selection by the Patriots in the second round (50th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Thornton has been heralded as a potential deep threat due to his speed. However, his rookie debut was delayed when suffering a fractured clavicle in the preseason. After his activation from injured reserve, Thorntonshowed flashes of his potential. In Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, Thornton scored his first receiving and rushing touchdowns, making him the first Patriots wide receiver since Deion Branch to score a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game. Thornton finished his rookie season with 22 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 3 times for 16 yards and a touchdown.
With Thornton showing the initiative to gain greater synergy with his quarterbacks, he seems primed for a significant step forward in 2023.
Mike Gesicki
On the surface, Gesicki's signing immediately upgrades the Pats' offense. The 27-year-old is a gifted pass catcher, who has hauled in 62.4 percent of his passes during his five-year tenure in Miami. He possesses both the size and speed to be effective as a receiver out the slot, or even out wide.
Gesicki’s ability to power his way into contested-catch situations will be particularly useful in the red zone. The Pats new tight end finished second among all tight ends in contested catches in both 2020 and 2021, earning 61 in both seasons combined.
By comparison, New England ranked last in the NFL in red zone productivity in 2022.
At the very least, Gesicki’s presence should help the Patriots find the end zone much a bit more this season.
Ultimately, the Pats collaborative offense is expected to be in attendance when Phase 1 of the team’s offseason workout program, focusing on strength and conditioning begins on Apr. 17.
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