Temperatures climbed as high as 94 degrees in Foxboro today, but the offense took a while to warm up. Here are takeaways from the second day of padded practices in Patriots training camp:
Offense struggles in 7v7s, recovers late in 11v11s
It was a big red zone day, and Drake Maye was a bit all over the place in the Patriots’ first competitive drills. In 7v7s on the far side of the practice field, he looked inaccurate, but improved once the team moved into 11v11s. He found a nice connection with Stefon Diggs on the move on a crossing route. He targeted rookie Kyle Williams in the endzone twice, with Williams dropping one great ball and making up for it with a snag in the opposite corner on a subsequent rep. But Maye continues to struggle on some snaps, regardless of who’s at center. He’s had two fumbled exchanges with rookie Jared Wilson through camp. He had another Tuesday with Garrett Bradbury.
QBs on the run
Josh McDaniels’ offense is known for its screen passes and quick, efficient movement – but the quarterbacks had some shots at designed runs in Tuesday’s practice. It makes sense to work into Maye’s game, especially on a day with so much emphasis red zone play. He had 421 rushing yards in 13 games in 2024 in an offense that stayed away from designed runs.
“Josh has explained he wants to use our skill set, our athleticism, in the position as another way to keep the defense on their heels,” backup quarterback Josh Dobbs said after practice. “Obviously, situationally, when we need it, we’ll be able to pull it out and make plays with our legs. But outside of that we’ll make sure we run the right play and pick defenses apart.
We definitely want to have forward momentum every time we take the field.”
A few guys getting healthier…
Two positive notes on presumed starters’ health: Austin Hooper returned to practice after starting camp on the PUP list, and Christian Barmore was a participant in competitive team drills. As noted last week, Barmore has mostly worked off to the side of 11v11s throughout camp, and that continued up through Monday’s padded practice. He was back in Tuesday. Hooper’s reps looked somewhat limited, but he did participate in competitive drills.
…And a few guys looking hurt
Christian Gonzalez didn’t participate in practice after suffering a hamstring injury in competitive drills Monday. He was out around the team late in practice and happily engaged with fans after its conclusion. His counterpart, Carlton Davis III, was present at camp but did not partake in team drills, making Tuesday his fourth missed practice.
Center Garrett Bradbury appeared hurt near the end of team competitive drills. He left the series and did not return from the sideline. Tackle Morgan Moses also departed practice early but jogged off the field under his own power.
Javon Baker has a top catch of the day
Second-year receiver Javon Baker has had a few nice plays now that the pads are on. Near the end of practice, he grabbed an impressive ball from Dobbs for a touchdown with Marcellus Dials Jr. in coverage. It will be a big challenge for Baker to climb up New England’s congested wide receiver depth chart – especially if/when Mack Hollins comes off the PUP list – but his impressive athleticism is noteworthy when he's engaged in reps.