While everyone knows what type of potential Joe Milton might have, Sunday night’s finale in Washington ended up raising more questions than answers.
As usual, the rookie had several “wow” moments, with the rookie seeing the lion’s share of the snaps ahead of Bailey Zappe after both Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye came off the field Sunday night.
Milton was out there for 29 snaps compared to just six for Zappe, with the offense having limited success. He led the offense to just one scoring drive, which ended up being Ryland’s 38-yard field goal.
Once again, the rookie showed off the physical tools that have made him intriguing this preseason. His 20-yard run on a 3rd-and-9 was one that stood out, while a laser he threw to fellow rookie Javon Baker for 17 yards on a 3rd-and-11 was yet another one.
Milton also got off another big throw early in the fourth quarter that was impressive. That play came as Milton faced pressure coming up the middle, with the rookie flicking his wrist while firing a strike to wideout Matt Landers on a comeback throw to the left sideline.
Somehow, the ball arrived on time, with Landers turning it up and slipping by defenders for a 34-yard gain.
Watching the replay, Milton had Commanders defensive end K.J. Henry right in his chest as he let that pass go, but he’s so strong that he still managed to get the ball there, allowing Landers to make that play.
All that aside, the final stat sheet ended up being somewhat of a tale of what this preseason has been like for him. Milton finished a paltry 5-of-17 (29.4%) for 78-yards, with 34 of those yards coming on Landers’ reception.
Again, some flashy moments, but certainly not a performance that would instill confidence in him having to step in for either Brissett or Maye if one or both ever became unavailable.
Overall, Milton finished the preseason 11-of-30 (36.7%) for 152 yards and one touchdown, with his best completion percentage coming after he went 4-of-6 (66.7%) for 54 yards and his touchdown throw in Week 1 against Carolina. He went 2-of-7 (28.6%) for 20 yards last week against Philadelphia.
While it would be a surprise not to see Milton on the roster, it’s still hard to think of him as anything more than just a project quarterback at this point. With that in mind, the club might still have a decision to make on its depth chart, especially after seeing Brissett suffer a shoulder injury last night and Maye narrowly escape a hand injury.
At this point, it would be a surprise if Zappe returned should he end up on the outside looking in again tomorrow, especially since any chance he had of being a backup here long-term feels like they’re fading with Maye as the future and the club likely ready to invest additional time in Milton’s development.
It’s also possible the Patriots potentially look to sign a veteran in addition to Brissett alongside Maye and Milton, who might also be able to set an example and share some experience with the two young quarterbacks.
Either way, as Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf mull who will be out there under center against Cincinnati in two weeks, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a move might be made here as insurance. Especially since Milton absolutely doesn’t appear ready to step in yet, and he’s shown enough where adding someone else might be a wise move.
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Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
A mistake many of the pundits are making, and almost all of social media, is writing as if this season matters. It does not. The future is what matters. Winning or being competitive in an extra game or two this year is counter productive if it comes at the cost of building for the future. Zappe is NOT part of that future. He is a journeyman back-up QB – at best – and could fill that role on a contending team – maybe, but not this team. If you have to play Milton then play Milton. Reagor is not part… Read more »