The New England Patriots have wrapped up their 2024 training camp, and the session was anything but dull. The camp featured a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles, highlighting some key performances and moments that encapsulate the intensity and competitiveness of the preseason.
Quarterbacks Under Pressure
Patriots quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye found themselves under considerable pressure from the Eagles' defensive line during the crucial 11-on-11 drills. Maye, in particular, faced immense difficulty as he was sacked on three of his four dropbacks during the drill’s final period. Despite this, the young quarterback had moments of brilliance, completing all six of his pass attempts in the initial 7-on-7 drill and finishing with 12 out of 18 completions in competitive scenarios.
Brissett, however, delivered a mixed performance, ending up with 17 completions out of 30 attempts. His accuracy was marred by two interceptions, one of which was particularly unfortunate, resulting from a ball that deflected off the chest of tight end Austin Hooper.
Standout Performances
There were several notable individual efforts during the joint practice. Wide receiver Javon Baker made an impressive diving reception during the 1-on-1 drills, demonstrating his agility and concentration. Ja'Lynn Polk successfully outmaneuvered Shon Stephens to catch a deep pass from Maye, showcasing their on-field chemistry and the quarterback's potential when given time to throw.
On defense, cornerback Christian Gonzalez had a commendable outing, winning two out of three matchups against the Eagles' star receiver A.J. Brown. However, his performance wasn’t flawless, as he lost both of his reps in the 1-on-1s against DeVonta Smith.
Additionally, Matthew Judon made his presence felt by causing a fumble from running back Saquon Barkley during a team drill. This play underscored Judon's growing influence on the Patriots' defense.
Roster Updates and Scuffles
The Patriots made some moves in their roster, acquiring free-agent offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor and using a Day 2 draft pick on Caedan Wallace to bolster their offensive line. These acquisitions reflect the team's focus on strengthening their protection for the quarterbacks, which has been a pressing issue, especially given the pressure faced during practice sessions.
Tensions ran high during a kickoff drill, resulting in a scuffle between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins. This altercation prompted Jerod Mayo to address the situation emphatically. "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, setting a clear disciplinary tone for his players.
Injury Watch
One notable absentee from the recent practices was tight end Hunter Henry, who missed the sessions for the second consecutive day. While his absence raised some concerns, Mayo remained optimistic about Henry’s status, remarking, "I don't anticipate it to be very long."
Overall, the Patriots' training camp provided a glimpse into the team's potential and areas that need attention. The joint practice with the Eagles served as a valuable test for the players, revealing both strengths and weaknesses. As the preseason progresses, the team will look to build on these experiences to refine their strategies and improve performance ahead of the regular season.