The New England Patriots recently wrapped up their 2024 training camp with a joint practice against the Philadelphia Eagles. The competitive session offered a glimpse into how the team is shaping up ahead of the upcoming season.
Quarterback Performance Under Pressure
Quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye faced significant pressure from the Eagles' formidable defense during the critical 11-on-11 drills. Maye, in particular, struggled in the final period, getting sacked on three of his four dropbacks, showing vulnerabilities in the offensive line and his pocket awareness.
Despite the late-session struggles, Maye had a strong start, completing all six of his pass attempts in the opening 7-on-7 drills and going 12-for-18 in competitive settings overall. Brissett, meanwhile, finished the session with 17 completions out of 30 attempts but marred his performance with two interceptions. One particularly unfortunate interception occurred when a pass deflected off tight end Austin Hooper’s chest.
Standout Moments and Key Plays
There were several notable highlights outside the quarterbacks’ performance. Wide receiver Javon Baker made a standout diving reception during the 1-on-1 drills, showcasing his athleticism and hands. Another highlight came from Ja'Lynn Polk, who outmaneuvered Shon Stephens to secure a deep pass from Drake Maye, highlighting the promising chemistry between the receiver and rookie quarterback.
On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Christian Gonzalez had a mixed day. He won two out of three matchups against A.J. Brown but struggled against DeVonta Smith, losing both engagements in the 1-on-1 drills. Meanwhile, linebacker Matthew Judon made his presence felt by causing a fumble from running back Saquon Barkley during the team drills, providing a much-needed spark for the defense.
New Additions and Off-Field Developments
The Patriots have been proactive off the field as well. The team acquired free agent Chukwuma Okorafor, bolstering their offensive line, and used a Day 2 draft pick on offensive lineman Caedan Wallace, indicating a focus on protecting their quarterbacks moving forward.
Not all developments were strategic moves. A scuffle broke out between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill, bringing some intensity to practice. Defensive coach Jerod Mayo addressed the altercation firmly, emphasizing discipline and focus. "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 stated.
Injury Concerns and Optimism
In terms of injuries, tight end Hunter Henry was absent for the second day in a row, raising concerns about his availability. However, Jerod Mayo remained hopeful about Henry’s return, stating, "I don't anticipate it to be very long." Henry's return could significantly impact the Patriots’ offensive strategies, providing another reliable target for their quarterbacks.
As the Patriots close their training camp, these last few days have provided valuable insights into the team’s strengths and areas needing improvement. With the start of the preseason looming, the performance in competitive drills against a strong Eagles defense will be critical in shaping the final roster and strategy for the regular season. Coaches and fans alike will be watching closely to see how these players and new additions come together, anticipating a strong start come game day.