The New England Patriots wrapped up their 2024 training camp, marking a period filled with highs, lows, and intense scrutiny of their players' performance.
Joint Practice Insights
During a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and the rookie Drake Maye faced relentless pressure from the Eagles' defense, especially during the 11-on-11 drills. It was a tough session for Maye, who was sacked on three of his four dropbacks in the final period. Despite these setbacks, Maye showcased his potential by completing all six of his pass attempts in the initial 7-on-7 drill and finishing with 12 completions out of 18 attempts in competitive drills. Brissett, on the other hand, managed 17 completions out of 30 attempts but also threw two interceptions. One of these interceptions was particularly unlucky, coming off a deflection from Austin Hooper’s chest.
Standout Performances
The practice also highlighted individual brilliance in one-on-one drills. Javon Baker made a spectacular diving reception, while Ja'Lynn Polk's agility helped him secure a deep pass from Maye after outmaneuvering Shon Stephens. On the defensive end, cornerback Christian Gonzalez had a notable performance, winning two out of three matchups against A.J. Brown, though he was less successful against DeVonta Smith, losing both reps.
Defensive Prowess and New Additions
The defense's efforts were not limited to single-player matchups. Linebacker Matthew Judon stripped Saquon Barkley of the ball during team drills, showcasing the defense’s aggressive approach. In terms of roster moves, the Patriots bolstered their offensive line by acquiring free agent Chukwuma Okorafor and using a Day 2 draft pick on Caedan Wallace.
Training Camp Tensions
As is often the case in the heat of training camp, tempers flared. A notable scuffle broke out between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill, an incident addressed by Jerod Mayo. Mayo 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."
The Hunter Henry Situation
One of the more concerning aspects for Patriots fans was the continued absence of tight end Hunter Henry, who missed practice for the second day in a row. Jerod Mayo remained optimistic about Henry's condition, sharing, "I don't anticipate it to be very long."