As the New England Patriots wrapped up their 2024 training camp, several key moments stood out, particularly during their joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles. This intensive session tested the mettle of players on both sides of the ball, offering a glimpse into the battles ahead for the Patriots.
Quarterback Under Duress
One of the significant observations involved the quarterbacks' performance under pressure. Facing a formidable Eagles defense, Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye found it challenging to navigate the 11-on-11 drills. Particularly under duress, Maye was sacked on three of his four dropbacks in the final period, a scenario that highlighted areas in need of improvement for the offensive line. However, Maye showcased his accuracy and potential early on, completing all six of his passes in the initial 7-on-7 drill and finishing with 12 out of 18 pass attempts in competitive drills.
Brissett’s experience was evident as he managed to complete 17 of his 30 pass attempts. However, his performance was marred by two interceptions, one of which occurred after a pass deflected off tight end Austin Hooper’s chest. These turnovers illustrate the fine margins and the need for better synchronization between quarterback and receivers.
Highlights from the Drills
During the 1-on-1 drills, several exciting plays grabbed attention. Javon Baker made a remarkable diving catch, adding flair to the session. Another standout play came from Ja'Lynn Polk, who deftly maneuvered past defender Shon Stephens to catch a deep pass from Drake Maye, illustrating his prowess as a deep threat.
On the defensive side, cornerback Christian Gonzalez demonstrated his ability to compete against top-tier receivers. Although he won two out of three matchups against A.J. Brown, Gonzalez faced challenges, losing both reps in the 1-on-1s against DeVonta Smith. Meanwhile, linebacker Matthew Judon made a significant play by causing a fumble from running back Saquon Barkley during team drills, further boosting the defense’s confidence.
Acquisitions and Absences
The Patriots' roster saw new additions and notable absences. The acquisition of free agent Chukwuma Okorafor and their Day 2 draft pick on offensive lineman Caedan Wallace indicate a focused attempt at bolstering the offensive line. However, tight end Hunter Henry's absence for the second consecutive day raised concerns, although coach Jerod Mayo provided reassurance. "I don't anticipate it to be very long," Mayo commented, reflecting optimism about Henry’s return.
Disciplinary Issues
An altercation between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill momentarily disrupted the practice. Coach Mayo didn't mince words when addressing the incident. "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," Mayo stated, emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining discipline. He further added, "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."
As training camp concludes, the New England Patriots have gleaned valuable insights into their squad's strengths and areas needing attention. The joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles was a rigorous test, simulating the competitive pressure that the regular season will bring. The performances highlighted the significance of resilience, discipline, and continuous improvement, crucial elements for a successful campaign ahead.