As the New England Patriots wrapped up their 2024 training camp, numerous incidents and performances captured attention. The camp, punctuated by a joint practice session with the Philadelphia Eagles, provided a good look at the team’s preparedness and areas needing improvement.
Quarterback Performances Under Scrutiny
Both Jacoby Brissett and the rookie quarterback Drake Maye faced a rigorous test against the Eagles' defense in the 11-on-11 drills. Maye, in particular, felt the heat, being sacked on three of his four dropbacks in the final period. Despite this, he showed flashes of promise, completing all six of his pass attempts in the initial 7-on-7 drill, and finishing with 12 completions out of 18 attempts in the competitive drills. Brissett, on the other hand, ended his session with 17 completions out of 30 attempts, but he also threw two interceptions, one of which occurred when a pass deflected off Austin Hooper’s chest.
Individual Moments of Brilliance
The practice sessions also highlighted individual moments of skill and athleticism. Wide receiver Javon Baker impressed with a diving reception during the 1-on-1 drills, while wideout Ja'Lynn Polk managed to outmaneuver Shon Stephens to haul in a deep pass from Maye. Moreover, cornerback Christian Gonzalez showcased his defensive prowess by winning two out of three matchups against the Eagles' A.J. Brown. However, he found himself outplayed in both reps against DeVonta Smith during the same drills.
Defensive Standouts and Tense Moments
On the defensive side, Matthew Judon left his mark by forcing a fumble from Saquon Barkley during team drills, underscoring the Patriots’ focus on aggressive defensive play. Nevertheless, not all interactions were smooth. A scuffle between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill hinted at the high tension and competitive spirit boiling over. Jerod Mayo, who addressed this incident, stressed the importance of discipline and composure, expressing his expectations clearly: "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."
Player Absences and Optimism
Meanwhile, tight end Hunter Henry's absence for the second consecutive day raised some concerns. However, Jerod Mayo conveyed optimism regarding Henry's status, stating, "I don't anticipate it to be very long."
New Acquisitions and Draft Picks
Looking at the changes in the roster, the Patriots have beefed up their offensive line by acquiring free agent Chukwuma Okorafor and using a Day 2 draft pick on offensive lineman Caedan Wallace. These strategic moves reflect the team's focus on fortifying their protection schemes and ensuring better coverage for their quarterbacks.
Overall, the 2024 training camp offered a blend of promising highlights and evident challenges. As the season approaches, the Patriots will look to refine their strategies, address the pressure points, and build on the promising talent displayed during the practice sessions.