The New England Patriots’ were back to work on Thursday for their second training camp practice of the summer.
The session itself was another slower one as part of the league-mandated ramp-up period, but there is still plenty to discuss. Here is what went down.
Setting
Attire: Shorts and shells
Duration: ca. 90 minutes (10:15-11:45 a.m. ET)
Conditions: Sunny, temperatures in the mid 80s
The Patriots’ second session of the summer took place on the hot practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. The session overall
was a shorter one without full pads, per league rules.
Attendance
Absent: WR Ja’Lynn Polk, CB Carlton Davis*, DT Jahvaree Ritzie*, WR Mack Hollins (PUP), OT Vederian Lowe (PUP), TE Austin Hooper (PUP), Josh Minkins (NFI)
Limited: DL Christian Barmore
*Denotes new absence
Ja’Lynn Polk, who is reportedly dealing with muscle tightness, remained sidelined, while Carlton Davis and Jahvaree Ritzie were new absences. Davis, who was initially placed on PUP before passing his physical and practicing on Wednesday, will be worth monitoring.
In the limited department, Christian Barmore did not take part in team drills but worked heavily off the side with director of sports performance Frank Piraino. The defensive tackle did participate in the end-of-practice conditioning work and mentioned afterwards that the workload was part of the team’s plan for him in his recovery from blood clots.
Takeaways
Efficient day for Maye: With the focus of the day emphasizing positive plays on first down, Drake Maye operated the quick game throughout the afternoon. He was sharp getting the ball out quickly and spreading the wealth, finishing the session 14-for-15; he completed 14 straight throws before his lone incompletion was batted down at the line of scrimmage.
Maye hit DeMario Douglas and Rhamondre Stevenson three times each in competitive drills. Stefon Diggs also caught a pair of passes from New England’s QB1.
Elsewhere in the quarterback department, third-stringer Ben Wooldridge had the throw of the day with an anticipated dart over the middle to fellow undrafted rookie Demeer Blankumsee. He also had a check-down to running back Lan Larison on the move.
Wilson’s reps: The majority of the afternoon saw New England’s top offensive line remain the same: Will Campbell, Cole Strange, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, and Morgan Moses were the starting five for a second straight day. But, for a second practice in a row, rookie offensive lineman Jared Wilson rotated with Bradbury as the starting center. The third-round draft pick also got a handful of snaps in place of Strange at left guard.
Wilson’s second snap of the day ended up on the ground, but his involvement is noticeable out of the gate after spending the spring limited.
Henderson involved: New England’s rookie running back saw his activity increase in Thursday’s session. Henderson caught a pair of passes out of the backfield with one coming from Maye when the back was lined up out wide.
His speed continues to be a threat with the ball in his hands.
Spotlight on depth: With Austin Hooper absent, Jack Westover continued to operate as TE2 behind Hunter Henry. The second-year tight end recorded a reception from Drake Maye.
Also elevated to bigger roles were cornerback Alex Austin and Jeremiah Pharms Jr. Austin helped replace Carlton Davis as the starting outside cornerback opposite Christian Gonzalez, while Pharms Jr. rotated into the defensive line with Christian Barmore limited.
Kicker competition: For the first time this summer, New England’s kickers got action from roughly 30 to 50 yards out. Rookie Andres Borregales went 3-for-4, missing his final attempt wide left from around 50 yards.
His top competition, Parker Romo, had a perfect afternoon and made all four of his field goal tries.
Quick notes: Catches for both UDFAs, Lan Larison and Efton Chism, with the receiver’s being one of the two downfield targets of the day. … Another UDFA, tight end Gee Scott Jr., had the other up the seam over Jack Gibbens. ... Javon Baker had a catch from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs but failed to haul in a deep target later on after getting his hands on it; Alex Austin was on scene for the breakup ... Morgan Moses continues to be on a snap count with Demontrey Jacobs the next player up at right tackle … Harold Landry was the first player on the field for a second day in a row. ... Landry also had a pair of would-be sacks, with Bradyn Swinson, Marte Mapu and Milton Williams also making notable plays in the pass rush department.
Preview
The Patriots will be back on the fields behind Gillette Stadium on Friday for their third practice of the summer. Gates will open at 9:15 a.m. ET with the session set to start at 10:00 a.m. ET. Mike Vrabel will address the media prior with a select group of players being made available to talk after the session.
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