Angry Jack Jones Leaves Practice: Patriots Training Camp Day 8

New England Patriots rookie receivers Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte continue to shine during training camp practices, with each making strong cases to earn a roster spot.

Author:
Mike D'Abate
Publish date:
Aug 3, 2023 1:19 PM EDT

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New England Patriots

FOXBORO — With just one week remaining until they host the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium for their first preseason matchup, the New England Patriots were back on the field for their eighth training camp practice Thursday.

The Pats practiced in full pads for the second straight day, with a focus on diversifying their offensive game-planning. Conversely, the defense looked to rebound after stellar performance from Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and the offense on Wednesday.

Here are some of the highlights from Thursday’s practice during which competition was high and tempers flared.

Jack Jones Leaves Practice

Patriots cornerback Jack Jones was spotted abruptly heading for the locker room during the team’s second round of 11s. After breaking up a pass intended for receiver Kendrick Bourne, Jones seemed to be trading verbal barbs with some of his teammates and coaches — including safety Jabrill Peppers, who seemingly attempted to calm him down. The talented, yet troubled cornerback then walked from the field in the direction of the Gillette Stadium locker room. Though he did not return to practice, Jones later returned to the sidelines, where he was seen chatting with director of player personnel Matt Groh.While his reason for leaving the field remains unclear, it should be noted that Jones was not accompanied by a member of the training staff; indicating that he was not injured.

Roll Call

Left guard Cole Strange, hybrid runner/rusher Ty Montgomery and linebacker Terez Hall did not participate in practice.

Linebacker Matthew Judon, left tackle Trent Brown, swing lineman Chasen Hines, defensives back Brad Hawkins and special teamer/linebacker DaMarcus Mitchell were all limited participants.

Offensive tackle Michael Onwenu and special teamer Cody Davis — who remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list — and offensive tackle Calvin Anderson— who continued his time on the non-football illness (NFI) list — were also absent and have yet to practice with the team during camp.

Quarterback Snapshot

Mac Jones completed 19 of 25 passes with one interception in team drills. Jones spent extended time working with some of the Patriots young receivers including Demario Douglas, Tre Nixon and Kayshon Boutte — who turned in his second consecutive standout practice performance. Despite working through some timing issues with the rookies, the 24-year-old tossed a deep-ball gem to Nixon with rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez and saftey Jabrill Peppers in coverage for a 45-yard gain. His aforementioned interception was also intended for Nixon who struggled to complete his route. The pass was read and jumped by safety Kyle Dugger, who intercepted the Pats starter for the third time in camp.

Jones looked especially sharp during red zone worth with the Pats starting offense. His best connection of the day came on a pinpoint completion to receiver Kendrick Bourne at the corner of the end zone. He also fired a solid scoring strike to JuJu Smith-Schuster in a two-minute drill. Jones’ decision-making has been vastly improved from last season at this time. Rather than settling for check downs, he is using the short game to his advantage, while taking chances downfield when the opportunity presents itself. Credit Bill O’Brien for giving Jones greater authority at the line of scrimmage to control his own fate — as well as Jones for making the necessary improvements.

Bailey Zappe had another solid performance, connecting on 14 of 17 passes with one interception. The Pats second-year quarterback saw some work with the first-team offense during scout team drills. Though he showed smooth movement in the pocket, he did not face any live pass rush. His competitive reps came with the team’s primary reserves. Zappe turned in a highlight-worthy completion to Boutte, who kept both feet in-bounds to haul in the would-be score. The Western Kentucky product once again attempted to find Boutte in the back of the end zone, but was picked off by safety Adrian Phillips.

Trace McSorley saw limited action with the third-team offense, completing 5 of 8 pass attempts. McSorley continues to be the Pats primary scout team quarterback.

Offense Observations

For the second-straight day, reserve lineman Kody Russey took notable reps at right guard with the starting unit along the offensive line. Fourth-year swing lineman Bill Murray had been aligning with the starters at the position in the absence of Michael Onwenu. However, Russey has been performing well in one-on-one drills, particularly showing his strength during his battle with defensive tackle Lawrence Guy. In addition to Russey, the team’s primary o-line consisted of Riley Reiff at left tackle, Atonio Mafi at left guard, David Andrews at center and Conor McDermott at right tackle.

Rookies Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have not only impressed with their pass-catching abilities, but they are also demonstrating shiftiness and athleticism — qualities which will make them effective receivers at the pro-level. Douglas showcased his speed while bypassing both Shaun Wade and Marcus Jones (who is known for his own impressive speed) during one-on-one coverage drills — while Boutte laid any lingering injury concerns to rest by beating cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones.

Defense Observations

While few questioned whether Keion White would earn a spot on the Patriots 53-man roster, the Pats second-rounder is making the case for a significant role on the first-team defense. The Georgia Tech product was credited with two “would-be” sacks on Thursday, while demonstrating both strength and tenacity when battling offensive blockers.

Rookie Isaiah Bolden saw notable time aligning at perimeter corner, opposite fellow first-year back Christian Gonzalez. Bolden provided stour coverage for much of the day, including an impressive pass breakup of a deep ball intended for receiver DeVante Parker. The Jackson State product has performed well, and is making a strong case to earn a roster spot. Jonathan Jones operated mostly out of the slot, with some time on the boundary.