The consensus of folks taking in Tuesday morning's New England Patriots joint practice session vs. the Indianapolis Colts saw flaws in the Patriots defense.
We'll get a good look at potential solutions to those woes as the teams meet in Thursday night's preseason battle at Gillette Stadium.
Practice had its down moments
With both starting cornerbacks, Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, missing the practice Tuesday, Daniel Jones had some big plays in the passing game.
That was to be expected. And Colts dynamo Jonathan Taylor tore off a couple of sweet runs in his short time on the field, which should raise a minor alarm or two. Keep an eye on Christian Barmore's workload, as the defensive tackle was held to individual drills and kept out of team reps Tuesday.
Thursday night defensive keys
Thursday night, the pass rush and the play of the job-hunting cornerbacks will be huge points of emphasis in the preseason battle with Anthony Richardson taking the helm of the Indy offense.
Here are four defensive Patriots to focus on in the action.
Gabe Jacas
Harold Landry still has not practiced, leaving a gaping role on the defensive edge. New England expects the second-round pick Jacas to provide the loudest answer.
He'll be turned loose for the first time as a pro. New England needs the Illinois product to get to work.
Elijah Ponder
There have been high hopes for the second-year man to add strength and depth, again on the edge.
Ponder, and to a lesser extent 2025 fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson, have assumed responsibility to help replenish the pass rush. If they can't do it against the Colts' second-teamers, it will be a disappointment.
Karon Prunty
A fifth-round pick this year, Prunty has the chance to unseat some of the less-than-spectacular vets brought in to play behind the starters at cornerback. He's fast and active, at least he has been through training camp.
Channing Canada
The unsung, undrafted free-agent rookie has seen the bulk of his time against the bottom of the roster.
There's just something about the way Canada roams the secondary, either in a corner or free safety role that makes you notice him.
