The New England Patriots recently wrapped up their 2024 training camp with an eventful joint practice session against the Philadelphia Eagles. The practice was characterized by intense competition and notable performances on both sides.
Quarterback Trio Faced Eagles’ Defense
Both Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye felt the pressure from the Eagles' defense throughout the 11-on-11 drills. Maye struggled significantly during the final period, having been sacked on three of his four dropbacks. However, the young quarterback showcased accuracy earlier in the session, completing all six of his pass attempts during the 7-on-7 drill. His overall performance in the competitive drills showed promise, as he completed 12 out of 18 pass attempts.
Meanwhile, Brissett also faced challenges, finishing with 17 completions out of 30 attempts and two interceptions. One of the interceptions was particularly unfortunate, stemming from a ball that deflected off Austin Hooper’s chest. Despite this setback, Brissett’s leadership and poise in handling the Eagles' defense were on display, highlighting areas for potential improvement ahead of the season.
Standout Plays and Performances
A few players made remarkable plays during the session that caught the attention of both teams. Javon Baker delivered a highlight moment with a diving reception in the 1-on-1 drills, while Ja'Lynn Polk demonstrated his skill by outmaneuvering Shon Stephens to catch a deep pass from Maye.
On the defensive side, Christian Gonzalez stood out by winning two out of three matchups against A.J. Brown. However, Gonzalez found DeVonta Smith a tougher opponent, losing both of their 1-on-1 reps. Matthew Judon, another defensive stalwart, caused a fumble from Saquon Barkley during team drills, illustrating the defensive unit's ability to create turnovers.
Acquisitions and Draft Picks Making Waves
The Patriots' recent acquisition, free agent Chukwuma Okorafor, and Day 2 draft pick offensive lineman Caedan Wallace, were under scrutiny as they integrated into the team. Their performance will be crucial in strengthening the Patriots' offensive line as the regular season approaches.
Tempers Flare and Addressing Discipline
Training camp intensity sometimes boils over, as evidenced by a scuffle between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill. Jerod Mayo, addressing the issue, emphasized the importance of discipline, stating, "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."
Injury Concerns and Optimism
Tight end Hunter Henry’s absence for the second consecutive day raised some concerns. However, Jerod Mayo expressed optimism about Henry's status, stating, "I don't anticipate it to be very long," suggesting that fans might see Henry back on the field sooner rather than later.
As the Patriots transition from training camp to the preseason, the lessons learned from these joint practices will be invaluable. Players' performances, both positive and negative, will help in fine-tuning strategies and addressing weaknesses. The Patriots aim to build on their strengths and tackle challenges head-on as they prepare for the upcoming season.