The New England Patriots are within the win column, topping the Carolina Panthers 20-10 of their second preseason recreation of the yr. Mac Jones performed three complete sequence as a handful of different Patriot regulars performed deep within the contest.

Right here’s who caught our eye Friday evening for higher or worse.

Winner: WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey. For the second straight recreation, Humphrey was a playmaker in New England’s offense. He hauled in 5 receptions for a team-high 71 yards, persevering with to feast up the seam and in the midst of the sphere. Humphrey’s playmaking skills prolonged into particular groups as effectively when he had one of many performs of the evening, throwing a punt again into the sphere of play which was downed on the four-yard line.

Humphrey has come on sturdy of late and has gained traction in the direction of a 53-man roster spot. Together with his playmaking capability in the midst of the sphere and along with his 6-foot-Four body, one might marvel if he might transition to a hybrid tight-end, one thing Invoice Belichick alluded to postgame.

Winners: LB Mack Wilson Sr. and LB Raekwon McMillan. The Patriots’ new linebackers obtained a number of enjoying time Friday evening and impressed. Wilson’s pace and physicality continues to pop everywhere in the area. On one drive, he learn Matt Corral’s eyes completely and nearly intercepted a double slant combo route. A couple of performs later he rallied to the ball and helped Terrance Mitchell cease Rashard Higgins wanting the sticks on third-down. Belichick referred to as Wilson an “explosive” participant that provides pace to the protection, and he’s confirmed that repeatedly this offseason.

As for McMillan, he continues to be a giant a part of the group’s plan for this season. He showcased his athleticism Friday evening recording six tackles and making life troublesome for Carolina pass-catchers out of the backfield.

Loser: OL James Ferentz. Ferentz drew the beginning at proper guard as New England continues to shuffle round its beat-up offensive line. It wasn’t a reasonably evening for the veteran. On New England’s opening drive, Ferentz was blown off the road by Julian Stanford resulting in a sack on Mac Jones. Later within the recreation he put a halt on a promising drive with a late hit on Kenny Robinson — this week’s instigator from Carolina. Ferentz nonetheless appears primed for the Ted Karras-role along with his versatility throughout the offensive line, but it surely was a tough week.

Winner: CB Jonathan Jones. Like he’s been doing in camp, Jones noticed the vast majority of his snaps at exterior cornerback for the Patriots. Jones held his personal on a pair of third-down go routes, knocking a ball away from the 6-foot-5 Keith Kirkwood on one try. Jones has performed himself into the function which has helped create high quality depth within the Patriots cornerback room.

Winner: The cross rush. The New England cross rush was dialed up Friday evening, recording 5 sacks and a handful of stress. Josh Uche, who smoked sixth-overall choose Ikem Ekwonu on a pace rush, and Anfernee Jennings proceed to supply worth alongside the sting.

Deatrich Sensible Jr. continued to terrorize Carolina tackles by additionally beating Ekwonu for a sack. Ronnie Perkins recorded a sack and had a powerful pursuit towards Matt Corral early within the fourth quarter. DaMarcus Mitchell recorded a sack and compelled fumble within the closing minutes which Sam Roberts recovered for a landing.

The Patriots showcased a powerful stress bundle Friday evening and will have some hidden gems on the depth chart.

Loser: WR Tre Nixon. Nixon’s remaining stat line of six catches (team-high) for 56 yards might look promising, however the second-year receiver was on the finish of some damaging performs for New England. To begin the fourth quarter, Nixon couldn’t haul in a deep landing from Bailey Zappe. It was not an ideal cross and there was some content material, but it surely was a ball a participant combating for a roster spot would favor to come back down with. He was additionally the meant receiver on Zappe’s pick-six and he didn’t look like absolutely anticipating the ball to come back his manner. With one other sturdy recreation from Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Nixon might have taken a step again on the depth chart.

Different gamers price mentioning embody Ty Montgomery, who continues to be concerned within the offense. Montgomery was on the sphere all through their first scoring drive, discovering pay dust himself and benefiting from a number of touches. Sticking with the working backs, Kevin Harris and J.J. Taylor supplied some burst out of the backfield within the second half. Nelson Agholor continued his sturdy week by hauling in a 45-yard completion from Mac Jones.

Within the turnover division, Joshuah Bledsoe pressured a fumble whereas Shaun Wade and Brenden Schooler hauled in interceptions. Schooler and fellow UDFA DaMarcus Mitchell additionally opened the sport on the beginning kickoff unit. On the others facet of the spectrum is Bailey Zappe, who threw a nasty wanting pick-six.

Nick People was 1-for-1 in area objective makes an attempt (38 yards) and further level makes an attempt. Tristan Vizcaino made one area objective from 51 yards and one additional level, but additionally pushed a 53-yard try far proper.