Tag: Will Grier

No change imminent? Mac Jones reportedly took first-team QB reps for Patriots on Wednesday

Are the Patriots sticking with Mac Jones as the starting QB?

With Mac Jones being benched for Bailey Zappe in the New England Patriots’ Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, there was a belief that change was finally coming under center for the team.

Whether it’s Zappe or Will Grier, there was the thinking that the Patriots would move in a different direction in the bye week and Week 12.

But in the words of Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend.”

Jones was spotted taking first-team reps at quarterback on Wednesday. Not much has changed for the Patriots since their embarrassing 10-6 loss to the Colts at Frankfurt Stadium in Germany on Sunday.

Things could obviously change by the time the Patriots get through the bye week and Week 12 against the New York Giants. There’s still time for Belichick to look to Zappe, Grier or even Malik Cunningham and give them the nod to get on the field.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Patriots inactives: Bailey Zappe and Will Grier OUT, Malik Cunningham IN vs Raiders

Malik Cunningham will be the top backup QB behind Mac Jones against the Raiders

Malik Cunningham will officially be the top backup quarterback for the New England Patriots in Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Patriots ruled out backups Bailey Zappe and Will Grier a day after promoting Cunningham to the main roster on a new three-year deal. There were questions as to whether Cunningham would play quarterback, receiver or on special teams.

But with the latest inactive report, it’s clear that the Patriots view Cunningham as a quarterback first.

The team will also be playing without veteran tackle Riley Reiff, which means it could be another game with Vederian Lowe as the top offensive line option.

Here’s the full list of inactives for Sunday’s game.

The Patriots have a lot riding on this game after falling to 1-4 in their first five games of the season. They’ll once again be shorthanded in what will surely be another uphill battle in Las Vegas.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Bill Belichick gives vote of confidence to third-string QB Will Grier

Bill Belichick comments on the progress of Patriots’ third-string QB Will Grier

The New England Patriots’ backup quarterbacks have been a focus this week with both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe struggling under center.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about the backups on Friday afternoon, and he had high praise for both Malik Cunningham and Will Grier.

Grier was signed by the Patriots in the middle of September. He was asked to fill the third-string quarterback role, but he might begin to play an even bigger role than originally thought. There is even a report that he could be the go-to quarterback, if Mac Jones continues to struggle in Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Grier does have starting experience, as he started two games for the Carolina Panthers in 2019. Belichick was not afraid to praise the quarterback, while tempering expectations overall, when meeting with the media.

“The opportunities he’s had, he’s done well with,” said Belichick. “It’s hard to get that position a lot of reps. But, you know, he’s a smart kid, throws the ball well, he’s got a good arm. You know he’s learned things, picked up things, so we’ll see, just kinda keep going here, keep feeding him as much as we can. But, there’s only so many snaps out there. Obviously, everybody needs them.”

Although that’s not exactly Belichick handing over the keys to the offense, it does sound like Grier is impressing him. That may be something to monitor as the season continues.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Report: If Mac Jones struggles, Patriots’ newest QB could see reps

The Patriots reportedly could explore another QB option if Mac Jones struggles on Sunday, and it isn’t Bailey Zappe.

The New England Patriots may go with a different quarterback if Mac Jones does not have a good week against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

Spoiler alert: That quarterback is reportedly not Bailey Zappe.

Will Grier was signed by the team in September and has firmly taken the third spot on the quarterback depth chart for the organization. He does have a bit of NFL experience, but he has not played in an NFL game since 2019 with the Carolina Panthers.

Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal laid out the potential plan on a recent episode of “Felger and Mazz”, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Dakota Randall.

“From talking to people around the team, I think, if Mac Jones doesn’t succeed this week, if he doesn’t retain his job, I think it’s Will Grier’s,” Bedard said on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Felger & Mazz”.

It would be interesting to see Grier under center if things continue to go off the rails for Jones. He does have starting experience, but he’d still face an uphill battle playing behind a struggling line in an offense that doesn’t have a lot to work with at the skilled positions.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Patriots OC Bill O’Brien comments on whether Mac Jones will start in Week 6

OC Bill O’Brien comments on starting quarterback expectations for Week 6

The New England Patriots will likely be sticking with quarterback Mac Jones for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

When speaking with the media on Tuesday, Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien said he anticipates the third-year quarterback to start in Week 6.

Jones went 12-of-22 on Sunday afternoon, throwing for 110 yards and two interceptions in a 34-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He was benched for backup Bailey Zappe for the second straight week, and it further raised questions regarding his future in New England. Jones and coach Bill Belichick have been put under the microscope over the past couple of weeks for poor performances as the Patriots have been outscored 72-3.

The Patriots don’t have many answers behind Jones with Zappe struggling as well. Meanwhile, third-string QB Will Grier hasn’t been with the team long enough to make a real difference. Rookie Malik Cunningham is making a name for himself on the practice squad, but he’s been predominantly used as a receiver.

Even after three consecutive poor performances, Jones might be the Patriots’ best option.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

 

Patriots OC calls QB Malik Cunningham one of the most improved players

The arrow is clearly pointing upwards on Patriots QB/WR Malik Cunningham

There has been plenty of buzz surrounding New England Patriots rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham, even though he has yet to take a meaningful snap in his NFL career.

So far, he has been quietly putting in work behind the scenes, biding his time and improving so that he’ll be ready for the day when his name is finally called up to the main roster. Some are hoping it’s sooner rather than later, given the way the quarterback room has struggled in New England.

Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien commented on Cunningham’s progress when speaking with media members on Tuesday. Per O’Brien, the rookie signal-caller has been mostly working as a receiver, but there are times when he gets opportunities under center as well.

He called Cunningham one of the Patriots’ most improved practice squad players.

Cunningham showed promise in his limited opportunities on the field at quarterback in the preseason. His ability to make plays on the move is a unique and effective element to his game the Patriots clearly lack elsewhere with Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and Will Grier.

An argument could be made that the Patriots should prioritize honing in on his skills as a quarterback, but for now, it appears like they’re sticking with the same juggling act of skilled position player and situational signal-caller in practice.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Bill Belichick provides update on QB Will Grier’s progress

How is QB Will Grier progressing since joining the Patriots? Bill Belichick commented on the newest addition to the QB room.

New England Patriots quarterback Will Grier seems to be adjusting to things as the newest addition to the quarterback room.

Bill Belichick has been complimentary of him, when fielding questions from the media.

Grier came to the organization after being signed off the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad on September 22. He adds depth to a quarterback room that has taken some heat over the last week.

The signal-caller has starting experience with the Carolina Panthers. He started two games in 2019. For his career, he is 28-of-52 for 228 yards and four interceptions. Those numbers don’t exactly jump off the page.

With that being said, he is a veteran presence in a New England quarterback room that needs direction at the moment.

“Will’s sharp and he’s picked things up pretty quickly,” said Belichick, via WEEI’s Mike Kadlick.

It would be fair to say that the Patriots drafted Mac Jones in 2021, with the hope that he would be a long-term investment at quarterback. But it appears that competition is brewing there now more than ever.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Patriots Week 4 inactives: Davon Godchaux IN, Cole Strange OUT vs Cowboys

Christian Barmore and Davon Godchaux are both active for the Patriots

The New England Patriots will be shorthanded heading into a Week 4 battle with a Dallas Cowboys team that is widely regarded as a Super Bowl contender.

Before the plane left Foxborough, the Patriots announced cornerback Jonathan Jones and guard Cole Strange had been downgraded as out for the game.

Rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Myles Bryant and Shaun Wade have done a tremendous job keeping things afloat on the backend of the defense. That effort must continue against a potentially explosive Cowboys offense still looking for a breakout game.

Meanwhile, rookie offensive linemen Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow will have to step up and fill the void left by Strange.

Here’s the full list of inactives for the Patriots and Cowboys:

The good news for the Patriots is their defensive line will remain intact with Christian Barmore and Davon Godchaux both being listed as active for Sunday’s game.

They’ll need all of the help they can get to survive the battle in the trenches against a Cowboys team capable of dominating on both sides of the ball.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Patriots have Cowboys worried for interesting reason ahead of Sunday’s game

The Cowboys appear to be worried about the Patriots for at least one particular reason

The Dallas Cowboys are a little worried heading into Sunday’s game with the New England Patriots.

They seemingly think New England has a competitive advantage after signing quarterback Will Grier and running back Ezekiel Elliott to their roster. As a result, the Cowboys will alter their hand signals for the game, as reported by ESPN’s Todd Archer.

Grier played for the Cowboys from 2021-2022. Elliott was obviously a big part of the Cowboys, having been drafted by the organization. His tenure in Dallas lasted from 2016-2022.

Elliott in particular is off to a strong start in New England. He has 28 carries for 122 yards and is coming off a 16-carry, 80-yard performance against the New York Jets on Sunday.

Now, it appears that the Cowboys will be making adjustments to combat the skill level of Elliott and knowledge of Grier.

One has to wonder how much of an advantage the Patriots’ duo gives the organization. Nevertheless, the return of Elliott to Dallas especially will be a fun subplot for Sunday’s game.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Schottenheimer: Cowboys to safeguard against Elliott, Grier sharing offensive intel with Patriots

From @ToddBrock24f7: The RB and QB bring close knowledge of the Cowboys offense to New England; Dallas could implement strategies to keep their plans secret.

Bill Belichick and the Patriots are well-known throughout the league for being willing to go to any length necessary to gain even a slight advantage over an opponent.

As they prepare to visit AT&T Stadium in Week 4, the Cowboys are well aware of that. And coaches are confident that two Dallas veterans who are now wearing the red, white, and blue are being pumped for inside information by the New England staff on what Dak Prescott & Co. will be trying to do come Sunday.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott, a key cog of the Dallas offense for seven years, and Will Grier, who spent two seasons in the Cowboys quarterbacks room and running the practice squad scout team, are both Patriots now.

And Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer knows they both have intel that could come in handy for the Patriots defense.

“We’re always aware of it,” Schottenheimer told reporters Monday. “Those are things that we monitor every week, but certainly we know that Will knows where a lot of the bones are buried. Zeke obviously does, as well.”

Facing former players happens almost every week, given the nature of free agency in today’s game. The Giants added wide receiver Cole Beasley to their practice squad prior to the season opener against Dallas. In Week 2, the Cowboys were reunited with kicker Greg Zuerlein and wide receiver Randall Cobb. And last Sunday, tight end Geoff Swaim counted as a familiar face on the Arizona sideline.

Any of them could have provided their new team with some piece of coded verbiage to listen for, some tendency to safeguard against, some little edge to capitalize on.

“Everybody does it,” Schottenheimer explained. “You get a player that’s been somewhere, you bring him in, and you talk to him about different things. And then you’re very selective about how much you put into it.”

But obviously, you also make some alterations, too.

After a breakup, you change the locks. You come up with a new Netflix password. You do things differently so you don’t get burned by that ex who knows you inside and out.

That’s exactly what Schottenheimer hinted that the Cowboys will be doing this week.

“Those are things you talk about and you think about, ‘Hey, let’s adjust this one,'” he said from The Star. “We certainly have more than one hand signal for most of our core concepts. And sometimes you can use it to your advantage. Because they think they know what’s coming, they hear something and think, ‘Hey, it’s this,’ and we’re smart enough to adjust those things.”

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

It’s well-documented gamesmanship, and Schottenheimer knows that Belichick won’t rely too heavily on anything Elliott and Grier have to say about the way the Cowboys were doing things last year under Kellen Moore or even this summer in camp. The grumpy guy in the hoodie didn’t get to 300 career wins by using an outdated decoder ring; he no doubt has a solid game plan to deal with Dallas.

“His big thing is he wants to make you play left-handed,” according to Schottenheimer. “He’s going to try to take away your best player. So he’ll have a plan for trying to find our pieces- whether he wants to take CeeDee away, or how he wants to attack the run game.”

But that doesn’t mean he won’t listen if Elliott has a secret to share.

And if Grier just happens to recall some of the details from that Cowboys playbook he was holding just a few weeks ago…

“I’m sure he’s definitely being interrogated,” Schottenheimer smirked, “and probably spending a lot of late nights with their defensive coaching staff.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

[mm-video type=video id=01hb8vjgvnmv9k28agj1 playlist_id=01eqbwens7sctqdrqg player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01hb8vjgvnmv9k28agj1/01hb8vjgvnmv9k28agj1-46da5084c83942815ac58d2a7c4ca99c.jpg]

[lawrence-newsletter]