FOXBORO — In the seek for Devin McCourty’s alternative at security within the Patriots’ beginning protection, Jalen Mills made a robust first impression in Thursday evening’s preseason opener in opposition to the Houston Texans.
Mills has some floor to make up if he’s going to be a part of the Patriots’ beginning unit for the third straight season, nevertheless. The excellent news is that the eight-year veteran made the Patriots’ prime defensive play in Thursday’s loss, undercutting rookie large receiver Tank Dell in a cross from No. 2 total decide C.J. Stroud for an interception.
“I was actually in man-to-man with the tight end,” Mills defined. “He was in the backfield, though. It was a longer down and distance, so I kind of showed a two-high look. I think it was Myles Bryant who was next to me. Once the tight end kind of chipped and released through, I knew that I could take him from depth, but I just kept eyes on the quarterback. He just so happened to look to his right and my left, and I was able to get underneath the route and intercept the ball.”
.@greengoblin on the moveeeeee!!
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— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 10, 2023
The incontrovertible fact that Mills was on the sphere in any respect, nevertheless, implies that he’s not considered by the workforce as a surefire starter. Fellow safeties Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips and Jabrill Peppers all dressed for Thursday evening’s sport however didn’t play, hanging out on the sideline sans helmets. Cornerback Marcus Jones additionally sat out regardless of being in uniform. Mills has primarily been taking part in with the second unit in coaching camp, so it made sense to see him in a secondary with Myles Bryant, Jack Jones, Joshuah Bledsoe and rookie Christian Gonzalez to begin the sport.
Mills has primarily performed cornerback via his first two years with the Patriots. It’s really been a shock to see how little they’ve utilized his versatility since he additionally performed security and within the slot early in his profession with the Philadelphia Eagles. It appears head coach Bill Belichick did initially plan to make use of him in several roles within the Patriots’ protection once they signed him to a four-year contract, nevertheless.
“Yeah, Jalen is an experienced guy, played safety,” Belichick stated. “Played all the positions really in the secondary. Played the nickel, played the corner. Played safety at Philly. He played safety here for the first year for the better part of — I think all the spring, then a little bit in training camp. He’s a smart, versatile guy. Played all those positions in the NFL. Gives us some good versatility and experience at different spots.”
The purpose Mills wasn’t used extra at security might be as a result of cornerback Stephon Gilmore began the Patriots’ 2021 season on the bodily unable to carry out record after which was traded to the Carolina Panthers. The Patriots couldn’t use Mills at security as a result of they immediately had a gaping gap at cornerback reverse JC Jackson.
Mills, who teammates have stated has stepped up in a management function in McCourty’s absence, is right down to play wherever. It’s all as much as Belichick.
“Honestly, it’s wherever Coach sees fit,” Mills stated. “I can play in the slot. I can play strong safety; I can play free safety. I can blitz off the edge. I can do a lot of different things, so I think it’s just about trusting Coach to put me in the right position to help this defense, make plays and help the team win games.”
The Patriots internally anticipated some trial and error in changing McCourty at free security. Mills, Peppers and Phillips have essentially the most expertise within the function. But gamers have stated they imagine they will make up for McCourty’s absence through the use of a number of gamers at free security and disguising appears to be like.
It was reported this offseason that the Patriots deliberate to launch Mills. Instead, they trimmed a yr off of his contract and stored him on a diminished take care of a place change.
Mills seemed comfy at security in restricted time Thursday.
There additionally exists the chance that historical past will repeat itself and the Patriots may wish him again at cornerback relying on Jack Jones’ authorized scenario. Jones faces gun chargers for allegedly carrying loaded firearms into Logan Airport. The Patriots’ cornerback depth could be examined if Jones misses time and if late-round rookies Isaiah Bolden and Ameer Speed can’t contribute straight away. The Patriots nonetheless have Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones at cornerback, however the workforce solely has Bolden, Speed and different inexperienced cornerbacks Shaun Wade, Rodney Randle and Quandre Mosley behind them. Mills is without doubt one of the few gamers on the roster with precise expertise outdoors.
If Thursday evening was a take a look at for Mills, then he handed it together with his alert play from security. His subsequent step is ascending the depth chart above the no-helmet crew in Dugger, Phillips and Peppers.
Source: www.bostonherald.com