Patriots training camp rolls on ahead of a heat wave expected to bear down on the region on Friday. Here are five observations from another day in shorts and shells:
Not that deep
Today’s competitive team periods focused on the quick game while Drake Maye drove the offense, and the scheme looked classically Josh McDaniels-ian.
Maye stayed away from deep shots and was happy to settle for checkdowns to keep up the tempo of the first 11 vs. 11 period. Receiver Stefon Diggs caught back-to-back targets early. DeMario Douglas had the biggest grab of the day on a long throw from backup Josh Dobbs. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson said the focus of the day was making progress on first downs and avoiding pre-snap penalties.
Barmore limited
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore didn’t take a rep in team periods, but worked out individually off to the side. Barmore’s participation throughout camp is worth watching following serious blood clots that derailed his 2024 season. He declined to comment on why he wasn’t in competitive drills when speaking with the media after practice.
“I feel really good, man. I feel back to myself, I feel really happy,” he said.
Big guy carousel
The offensive line continues looking like a work in progress early in camp, and different faces are slotting in during team periods. Rookie Jared Wilson took reps at both guard and center. Unfortunately, one of his early exchanges with Maye resulted in a fumbled snap. Demontrey Jacobs also got a look at right tackle in Morgan Moses’ spot.
“I don’t know what it is,” Moses said, when asked whether he was in a load management position during camp. “I just do what I’m told, and those guys need reps too because in the trenches things happen. I think last year they had a lot of injuries on the offensive line. It’s good to get everybody those reps, and things like that. We’re moving forward and we’re getting where we need. We’re correcting things in the meeting room.”
Young guys elevating
It’s early, but the coaches weren’t afraid to throw the rookies in the deep end of the pool on Day 2. In addition to Wilson’s reps on the offensive line, Kyle Williams and TreVeyon Henderson both got run with likely starters. Second-year tight end Jack Westover also snagged a catch from Maye in Austin Hooper’s absence, while Jaheim Bell ran with the second string.
Lean and mean
One noticeable trend among returning Patriots vets is their improved conditioning. Stevenson, Barmore, and Mike Onwenu all appear leaner than were just six weeks ago. Stevenson said his weight loss wasn’t intentional.
“I think my body’s just maturing. I just know what I’ve got to do. It’s a long season, so [there is] extra conditioning,” he said.