As the New England Patriots wrapped up their 2024 training camp, the team participated in a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles that offered a deep dive into both their strengths and ongoing challenges. The Patriots' quarterbacks, Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye, faced significant pressure from the Eagles’ defense, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming season.
Quarterbacks Face the Heat
During the 11-on-11 drills, the Eagles’ defense significantly tested the Patriots' quarterbacks. Drake Maye, in particular, struggled under the high-intensity pressure, finding himself sacked three times on his four dropbacks in the final period of the session. Earlier in the practice, however, Maye showcased his potential, completing all six of his pass attempts in the opening 7-on-7 drill and finishing the competitive drills with a respectable 12 completions out of 18 attempts.
Jacoby Brissett also had a mixed performance. He completed 17 of his 30 passing attempts but suffered two interceptions. One of these interceptions was particularly unfortunate, occurring after the ball deflected off tight end Austin Hooper’s chest. Despite these setbacks, both quarterbacks had moments that reflected their capabilities and areas for improvement as they head into the season.
Standout Moments
Amid the intense drills, several players made notable plays that could influence their standing on the team. Receiver Javon Baker pulled off a highlight-reel moment with a diving reception during the 1-on-1 drills. Similarly, Ja'Lynn Polk demonstrated his skills by outmaneuvering Shon Stephens to make a significant deep pass catch from Drake Maye.
On the defense, rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez held his own against some of the Eagles' top receivers. Gonzalez won two out of three matchups against the talented A.J. Brown but faced challenges against DeVonta Smith, losing both reps in their 1-on-1s.
Team Dynamics
The intensity of the training session was apparent when a scuffle broke out between Josh Uche and E.J. Jenkins during a kickoff drill. Defensive coach Jerod Mayo quickly addressed the incident, stressing the professionalism expected from the players. "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," explained Mayo. "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 also provided updates on the absence of tight end Hunter Henry, who missed his second consecutive day of practice. Despite Henry's absence, Mayo expressed optimism about the tight end's status, stating, "I don't anticipate it to be very long."
Roster Developments
In terms of roster changes, the Patriots have been active. The team recently acquired free agent Chukwuma Okorafor to bolster their offensive line. Furthermore, the Patriots invested a Day 2 draft pick in offensive lineman Caedan Wallace, signaling their commitment to strengthening their front line and providing better protection for their quarterbacks.
Among the defensive highlights, linebacker Matthew Judon made his presence felt by causing a fumble from Saquon Barkley during team drills, underscoring his impact and importance to the Patriots' defensive unit.
As the New England Patriots' training camp came to a close, the joint practice with the Eagles proved to be a valuable experience, showcasing individual talents and exposing areas that need refinement. With the regular season approaching, the Patriots will be looking to integrate these insights and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a successful campaign ahead.