The New England Patriots have wrapped up their 2024 training camp, and it was anything but uneventful. The capstone of their pre-season preparation included a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles, which tested both teams' readiness as they gear up for the new season.
Quarterbacks Under Siege
During the 11-on-11 drills, Patriots’ quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye found themselves under significant pressure from an aggressive Eagles' defense. Drake Maye, in particular, struggled in the final period, getting sacked on three of his four dropbacks. Despite the rough ending, Maye had earlier demonstrated his accuracy by completing all his six pass attempts during the initial 7-on-7 drill. Over the course of the competitive drills, he managed 12 completions out of 18 pass attempts, showcasing a blend of promise and room for improvement.
Brissett, on the other hand, had a more tumultuous session, completing 17 out of 30 attempts but also throwing two costly interceptions. One notable incident involved a pass deflecting off tight end Austin Hooper’s chest, leading to an untimely turnover. These struggles underscored the importance of precision and chemistry, elements that still need refinement before the season kicks off.
Standout Performances
While the quarterbacks faced challenges, other players seized the opportunity to make their mark. Wide receiver Javon Baker thrilled with a spectacular diving reception during the 1-on-1 drills, and Ja'Lynn Polk outmaneuvered Shon Stephens for a deep pass completion from Maye. On the defensive side, Christian Gonzalez stood his ground against Eagles’ star A.J. Brown, winning two out of three matchups, although he found less success against DeVonta Smith, losing both reps in their head-to-heads.
Judon’s Defensive Prowess
A moment of defensive brilliance came from linebacker Matthew Judon, who forced a fumble from Giants' running back Saquon Barkley during team drills, reminding everyone of his knack for game-changing plays. Judon's ability to disrupt the offense adds a crucial layer to the Patriots’ defensive strategy.
Roster Moves and Draft Picks
In terms of roster adjustments, the Patriots have been active. They signed free agent Chukwuma Okorafor, aiming to bolster their offensive line. Additionally, they invested a Day 2 draft pick in offensive lineman Caedan Wallace, signaling their commitment to strengthening protections for their quarterbacks.
Tempers Flare
The intensity of camp was palpable, even leading to a scuffle between linebacker Josh Uche and wide receiver E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill. Defensive coach Jerod Mayo addressed the scuffle assertively, emphasizing discipline and consequences. "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 said.
Absentee Concerns
One concerning factor for the Patriots was the absence of tight end Hunter Henry, who missed his second consecutive practice. Mayo remains optimistic about Henry's return, saying, "I don't anticipate it to be very long." Henry's role as a key offensive weapon for the team makes his quick return crucial for the Patriots’ success.
As the Patriots conclude their training camp, the ups and downs, the standout performances, and the areas needing improvement all serve as valuable lessons. With the regular season approaching, the insights and experiences gained from their rigorous training sessions and joint practices are expected to forge a more resilient and cohesive unit, ready to compete at the highest level.