Trace McSorley provides specific reasons why Patriots system is different from the others
FOXBORO, Mass. — Trace McSorley has been in two different systems, but neither were anything like the New England Patriots. It has not been the easiest road for the former Penn State quarterback, but he is hoping that will change with the Patriots. McSorley is vying for one of the backup spots behind Mac Jones […]
FOXBORO, Mass. — Trace McSorley has been in two different systems, but neither were anything like the New England Patriots.
It has not been the easiest road for the former Penn State quarterback, but he is hoping that will change with the Patriots.
McSorley is vying for one of the backup spots behind Mac Jones this season, and had one main focus coming into training camp.
"Coming in this training camp, my main goal was focus on decision making and operation of the offense, with it being my first time in a new system. First time in a system kind of like this," McSorley said. "A little bit different than systems I've worked in before. So I think that was the main thing that I came into this offseason and this training camp."
McSorley began his career with the Baltimore Ravens, being drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons in Baltimore before being signed by that Arizona Cardinals off Baltimore's practice squad. He was there up until the end of the 2022-23 season.
Yet across his NFL career, McSorley has appeared in only nine games with 49 completions for 502 passing yards and one passing touchdown, along with 21 carries for 79 rushing yards.
So McSorley took advantage of each second he was given in Thursday night's preseason loss to the Houston Texans, and will continue to do so in the two remaining games.
"Really just trying to keep improving on that one step at a time and keeping making that climb each day in practice," McSorley said. "And when you get into the more preseason games, just kind of continuing to make that climb."
McSorley was signed by the Patriots on a one-year deal in August, joining an offense that is looking to rebuild after struggling last season. And there are some things he has noticed since coming to New England.
"The biggest different I think is just there's a lot more responsibility put on the quarterback," McSorley said. "That's something that I've actually really enjoyed coming here is hat we can't take a play off mentally. You got to be locked in every play, run, pass, and I think that's one of the things I've enjoyed."
While Thursday's game proved it will certainly be tough for McSorley to earn a spot on the active roster, his whole career has centered around perseverance and this bit of competition won't stop him.
Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports
