The New England Patriots have wrapped up their 2024 training camp with a series of notable events that showcased both promise and areas needing improvement. The joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles, in particular, provided a competitive atmosphere that tested the mettle of several players on the Patriots' roster.
Quarterback Pressure
During the 11-on-11 drills, both Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye felt the heat from the Eagles' defense. The pressure was more than evident as Maye faced substantial difficulties, notably being sacked three times across four dropbacks in the final session. Despite these challenges in the 11-on-11 drills, Maye displayed his potential by completing all six of his pass attempts in the opening 7-on-7 drill and achieving a 12 out of 18 completion rate in competitive scenarios.
Brissett, on the other hand, managed 17 completions from 30 attempts but was intercepted twice during the practice. In a bit of unlucky turn, one of those interceptions resulted from a ball that deflected off tight end Austin Hooper's chest. These moments underscore the importance of chemistry and precision as the team heads toward the regular season.
Standout Performances
In one-on-one drills, certain players distinguished themselves. Wide receiver Javon Baker drew eyes with a spectacular diving catch. Similarly, Ja'Lynn Polk showcased his skills by outmaneuvering Shon Stephens to secure a long pass from Drake Maye. On defense, cornerback Christian Gonzalez had a mixed day, winning two out of three matchups against the formidable A.J. Brown but falling short in both of his one-on-one clashes with DeVonta Smith.
Defensive Highlights
The defense offered its share of highlights, including a play by linebacker Matthew Judon that resulted in a fumble by Saquon Barkley during team drills. Such plays serve as crucial confidence boosters for a Patriots defense looking to establish itself as a force this season.
Roster Moves and Concerns
The Patriots made some strategic decisions for roster improvement by acquiring free agent Chukwuma Okorafor and selecting offensive lineman Caedan Wallace with a Day 2 draft pick. These additions highlight the focus on fortifying the offensive line.
However, training camp wasn't without its frictions. A scuffle broke out during a kickoff drill between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins. Reflecting on the incident, Jerod Mayo, who addressed both players, emphasized the importance of 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, 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 declared, underlining the disciplinary measures that come with such altercations.
Injury Updates
Tight end Hunter Henry's absence for the second consecutive practice raised some concerns. Yet, Jerod Mayo expressed optimism about Henry's return, noting, "I don't anticipate it to be very long." Henry's return will be critical for the Patriots as they depend on his experience and skill set moving forward into the season.
As the team looks back on its training camp, it’s clear that several elements need to be refined. The joint practice with the Eagles has served as a litmus test, revealing strengths to be reinforced and weaknesses to be addressed. With the preseason games on the horizon, the Patriots will continue to hone their strategies and solidify their roster in preparation for what promises to be an intensive 2024 campaign.