Day 2 of the New England Patriots training camp saw notable shifts in strategy and player performances under the stewardship of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. These changes were especially evident in the quarterback rotation, offensive line adjustments, and injury updates.
Quarterback Dynamics
The quarterback situation took an interesting turn as Jacoby Brissett secured first-team reps, signaling a potential shift in the team’s hierarchy. Brissett showed promise by completing nine out of 13 passes in competitive drills and two out of four attempts in 11-on-11 situations. He was followed by Drake Maye and Joe Milton III, who performed well in their respective roles.
Maye demonstrated his potential by completing 10 of his 12 passes in competitive drills. However, a miscommunication with wide receiver Tyquan Thornton and a drop by tight end Jaheim Bell during the 11-on-11 performance highlighted areas needing improvement. Milton, making a strong case for himself, completed four of his six passes in competitive drills, surpassing Bailey Zappe, who saw his role diminished this camp. Zappe, now relegated to the fourth quarterback spot, completed two of his three throws during minicamp work.
Mayo addressed the media, emphasizing the team’s competitive mindset: “We’re always going to take the mindset of we’re going to do what’s best for the organization and we’re going to try to get those guys reps so they can compete.” Regarding the number of quarterbacks in rotation, Mayo remained pragmatic: “I don't know if that means four or three, honestly. Right now we have four quarterbacks and those guys will go out there and practice today.”
Offensive Line Rotation
The offensive line saw substantial rotation, particularly at the right tackle position. Calvin Anderson, Caedan Wallace, and Vederian Lowe were all vying for the spot. On Day 1, Anderson and Wallace primarily filled this role. However, Day 2 introduced more variability with Lowe taking significant snaps at right tackle. Meanwhile, Wallace and Anderson took turns contributing on the left side. Mike Onwenu provided stability at right guard, maintaining his position consistently through both days.
Wide Receiver and Tight End Notes
Tyquan Thornton received increased reps and targets during the 7-on-7 drills, signaling a potential rise in his prominence within the team’s receiving corps. Tight end Jaheim Bell, however, faced challenges, marked by a drop during drills.
Kendrick Bourne attended the practice but remained sidelined for active drills as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL. His return is eagerly anticipated as he recovers from this significant injury.
Defensive Highlights
On the defensive side, Marcus Jones made a notable play by breaking up a pass intended for Ja'Lynn Polk during the first competitive 7-on-7 period. Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones are projected to secure the boundary cornerback positions, providing much-needed stability in the secondary.
Contract and Personnel Updates
Off the field, team owner Robert Kraft engaged in a conversation with pass rusher Matthew Judon concerning Judon’s contract status. Kraft also spoke with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, indicating ongoing discussions aimed at reinforcing the team’s roster.
Injury and Participation Reports
The camp also saw the return of Antonio Gibson, although his activities were limited. DeMario Douglas participated only in individual drills, abstaining from the more intensive 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 sessions. Notably, Antonio Mafi encountered a setback with a poor snap while Milton was at quarterback during afternoon drills.
As the Patriots’ training camp progresses, these developments will be critical in shaping the team's strategy and roster decisions under Jerod Mayo’s leadership. The focus remains on refining performance and fostering competition to elevate the team's potential for the upcoming season.