The New England Patriots have wrapped up their 2024 training camp, concluding with an eventful joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles. The day's session was a mixed bag for the Patriots, providing both promising glimpses and areas that need attention moving forward.
Pressure on Quarterbacks
The Eagles' defense applied significant pressure on Patriots quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye during the 11-on-11 drills. Notably, Drake Maye struggled under this pressure, being sacked on three of his four dropbacks in the final period of the session. Despite this, Maye showcased precision in the opening 7-on-7 drills, completing all six of his pass attempts.
Overall, Maye completed 12 out of 18 pass attempts in competitive drills, a respectable showing given the defensive pressure. Jacoby Brissett, on the other hand, had a more challenging day. He finished with 17 completions out of 30 attempts and threw two interceptions, one of which deflected off Austin Hooper’s chest.
Standout Moments
Amidst the intensity, there were several standout moments for both individual players and positional matchups. Javon Baker's diving reception during the 1-on-1 drills was a highlight, demonstrating his athleticism and drive. Similarly, Ja'Lynn Polk managed to outmaneuver Shon Stephens and catch a deep pass from Drake Maye, suggesting a promising connection between the quarterback and the wide receiver.
On the defensive side, Christian Gonzalez showed his mettle by winning two out of three matchups against A.J. Brown. However, Gonzalez faced tougher competition in DeVonta Smith, losing both reps during 1-on-1s against the Alabama standout. Matthew Judon also made a significant impact, causing a fumble from Saquon Barkley during team drills, a play that epitomized the defensive fortitude the Patriots hope to carry into the season.
New Additions
The Patriots are looking to bolster their offensive line with recent acquisitions. The team welcomed free agent Chukwuma Okorafor and used a Day 2 draft pick on offensive lineman Caedan Wallace. These moves are aimed at providing better protection for their quarterbacks, a need made evident by the Eagles' pressure during the joint practice.
Training Camp Tensions
Training camp is always a time of high emotions and tough competition, and this year was no exception. A scuffle broke out between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill, drawing attention to the intensity and competitive spirit within the squad. Jerod Mayo, addressing the scuffle, emphasized the importance of discipline and composure.
"I mean, look, you don't fight in a real game. If you fight in a real game, you get fined; you get kicked out. It's the same thing here. Look, my message to the players is if you get in a fight out here, if you're a starter, you're going to play the whole preseason game. If you're not a starter, you won't play at all. That's kind of my mindset with that," Mayo stated. His message underscores the importance of maintaining focus and professionalism, especially as the team looks to refine its game ahead of the regular season.
Hunter Henry's Status
One notable absentee was tight end Hunter Henry, missing his second consecutive day of practice. Jerod Mayo addressed concerns regarding Henry's absence, offering a sense of optimism. "I don't anticipate it to be very long," Mayo said, suggesting that the tight end's return could be imminent, providing a much-needed boost to the offensive lineup.
As the Patriots look to fine-tune their strategies and integrate new players, the conclusion of their training camp and the joint practice with the Eagles have provided valuable insights. With key performances from players like Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez, and disciplined leadership from coaches like Jerod Mayo, the Patriots are setting their sights on a strong start to the upcoming season.