The New England Patriots have wrapped up their 2024 training camp, culminating in an intense joint practice session with the Philadelphia Eagles. The session highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
In the 11-on-11 drills, quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye faced significant pressure from the Eagles' defense. Maye, in particular, found himself under siege, suffering sacks on three out of four dropbacks during the final period of the session. Despite these challenges, Maye showed promise earlier in the practice, completing all six of his pass attempts in the 7-on-7 drill and finishing with 12 out of 18 completions in competitive drills.
Brissett, on the other hand, had a mixed performance. He completed 17 of his 30 pass attempts but threw two interceptions. One of these picks was a result of an unfortunate deflection off tight end Austin Hooper's chest, underscoring the need for better coordination and ball security.
The session featured standout moments from other players as well. Wide receiver Javon Baker made a memorable diving reception during the 1-on-1 drills, showcasing his agility and determination. Additionally, Ja'Lynn Polk demonstrated his skill by outmaneuvering Eagles cornerback Shon Stephens to catch a deep pass from Maye, a play that elicited cheers from observers.
In defensive matchups, rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez held his own against top-tier competition. Gonzalez won two out of three matchups against star receiver A.J. Brown but struggled against DeVonta Smith, losing both of their 1-on-1 reps. Another defensive highlight came from linebacker Matthew Judon, who forced a fumble from running back Saquon Barkley during team drills, a play that emphasized Judon's impact on the field.
Off the field, the Patriots made strategic moves by acquiring free agent Chukwuma Okorafor and using a Day 2 draft pick on offensive lineman Caedan Wallace, signaling their commitment to bolstering the offensive line. The camp also saw some tension, with a scuffle breaking out between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill. Defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo addressed the incident, instilling discipline and emphasizing the importance of composure. "I mean, look, you don't fight in a real game," Mayo said. "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."
Another talking point was the absence of tight end Hunter Henry for the second consecutive day. Despite his absence, Mayo expressed optimism about Henry’s status, stating, "I don't anticipate it to be very long."
As the Patriots transition from training camp to the pre-season, the performances in this joint practice will undoubtedly serve as crucial learning experiences. With veteran players and new additions alike showing their capabilities, the team aims to refine their strategy and build on the lessons learned to make a strong impact in the upcoming season.