FOXBORO, Mass. — Joe Milton III was by no means going to be requested to win the beginning job, however his introduction to the Patriots’ quarterback room has nonetheless been reasonably stunning.
Milton, for the primary time in his life, is on the skin trying in.
New England spent nearly all of OTAs getting the quarterbacks up to the mark in new coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s offense, however there’s solely so many reps to go round. Jacoby Brissett is going to start out, so he’s a precedence. Drake Maye is the way forward for the franchise, so he’s the precedence. Bailey Zappe even wants reps, as he’s the one incumbent within the room.
Milton? He’s been pressured to take a seat and watch, however really views it as considerably of a optimistic.
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“It’s been very rewarding, but additionally a really humbling expertise, as nicely,” Milton stated Tuesday. “Coming from Tennessee, being the starter, after which coming right here, you will have different guys taking reps, it humbles you. On the identical time, that’s all the time been me — studying from the older guys and when my time comes, I’ll be prepared.
“… It’s cool, to be sincere. I’m extra of a visible learner anyhow… I’m going again and watch the tape to grasp the footwork, then (Wednesday), we’ll are available in for conferences and I’ll have a whole lot of questions.”
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Milton’s arm has by no means been a query, one thing you’ve nearly definitely heard of by now. He hasn’t fairly been in a position to put all of it collectively, although, spending nearly all of his collegiate profession as a backup earlier than lastly changing into a full-time starter at Tennessee in 2023.
“He can throw the ball,” Patriots quarterback coach T.C. McCartney stated Tuesday. “It’s very spectacular. He provides you the power to push the ball down the sphere. He could make each throw, however there’s much more to enjoying quarterback. We’re actually centered on these issues.”
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Milton has the instruments that may assist a quarterback achieve success, however in having him expertise practices with a birds-eye view, the Patriots’ most important focus is having him develop those that may simply assist him keep alive within the race for a roster spot.
“The primary trait with any quarterback, in my eyes — this can be a philosophical factor — it’s simply decision-making,” Mayo stated when requested about Milton. “It’s good to have an enormous arm, however if you happen to can’t make the correct resolution, I imply, you’ll be throwing cannonballs to the opposite staff. Accuracy, competitiveness, all that stuff is unquestionably essential.”
