The New England Patriots have wrapped up their 2024 training camp with significant moments and notable performances marking the session. The camp's highlight was a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles, providing an early test for the rosters of both teams.
Quarterback Performance Under Scrutiny
During the 11-on-11 drills, Patriots' quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye faced formidable pressure from the Eagles' defense. Drake Maye, in particular, endured a tough session, being sacked on three of his four dropbacks in the final period. However, he showed promise by completing all six of his pass attempts in the opening 7-on-7 drill and finishing the competitive drills with 12 completions out of 18 attempts.
Jacoby Brissett had a more challenging day, completing 17 out of 30 passes and throwing two interceptions. One of these interceptions was particularly frustrating as it resulted from a deflection off tight end Austin Hooper’s chest.
Offensive and Defensive Highlights
Wide receivers and defensive backs had their moments to shine in the one-on-one drills. Javon Baker made a memorable diving reception, while Ja'Lynn Polk showcased his agility, outmaneuvering Shon Stephens to haul in a deep pass from Maye. On the defensive side, Christian Gonzalez held his own, winning two out of three matchups against A.J. Brown but struggled against DeVonta Smith in their one-on-one encounters.
Matthew Judon delivered a standout play by causing a fumble from Saquon Barkley during team drills, demonstrating the defensive intensity the Patriots are aiming to cultivate.
New Additions and Absences
The Patriots have also been active in bolstering their roster. They recently acquired free agent Chukwuma Okorafor and used a Day 2 draft pick on offensive lineman Caedan Wallace to strengthen their offensive line. In contrast, tight end Hunter Henry was notably absent for the second consecutive day of the camp. However, Patriots' coach Jerod Mayo expressed optimism about Henry's status, hinting at a short-term absence.
Tensions Flare During Drills
A scuffle between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill underscored the intensity of the practice sessions. Addressing the incident, Jerod Mayo was candid about his stance on fighting during practices and games. "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," Mayo stated firmly.
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots conclude their 2024 training camp, the joint practice with the Eagles served as a vital exercise, providing both challenges and learning opportunities for the team. The performances of Maye and Brissett, in particular, will be closely analyzed as the Patriots prepare for the upcoming season. The addition of players like Okorafor and Wallace, coupled with standout moments from both offense and defense, will bolster the team's confidence. With the right adjustments and continued hard work, the anticipation for a competitive season remains high.
And while some minor tensions erupted, as evidenced by the Uche-Jenkins scuffle, the focused and disciplined response from the coaching staff, led by Jerod Mayo, promises a controlled and motivated squad moving forward. All eyes will now turn to the next phase of preparations as the Patriots refine their strategies and gear up for the season opener.