UPDATE: For a recap of joint practice between the Patriots and Commanders, check out Meghan Ottolini's column from Wednesday
It’s about to get real in Foxboro.
Well, as real as it gets in training camp. The Washington Commanders come to town for a single joint practice Wednesday, and what the Patriots show on the field - against another NFL team - will be the first true measuring stick of coach Mike Vrabel’s process.
Last summer’s joint practices against the Philadelphia Eagles waved a giant red flag; in hindsight, the Patriots’ absolute lack of talent and competitiveness in the face of the eventual Super Bowl champions was a harbinger of a doomed season.
The Commanders aren’t last year’s Eagles, but they are a Final Four team. They’re also the franchise whose rebuild the Patriots’ own most resembles: they’ve surrounded their young, mobile quarterback with solid veterans to supercharge the culture and bring the talent within most position groups to, at worst, an average level.
So the Patriots’ ability to hang with the Commanders should be taken as a significant indicator of what heights New England can reach this season. There are some asterisks, sure. Christian Gonzalez, arguably the Patriots’ second-biggest talent behind Drake Maye, won’t be an active participant.
Other players, like receiver Kendrick Bourne, are also banged up. Washington arrives with its own warts, (see: Terry McLaurin situation).
Veteran safety Jabrill Peppers gets it:
“Anytime you get a playoff team that comes and practices against you, we’re playing to see how we measure up. You know, against the talent over there. It’s a great opportunity for us.”
Which Maye will emerge? The McDaniels apprentice who ain’t too proud to checkdown, or the fella who threw two picks in the in-stadium practice, or four in OTAs? How will rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson hold up his blind side in the face of an unfamiliar pass rush? Will TreVeyon Henderson continue to break through as a pocket-sized swiss army knife offensive weapon? Will the Patriots’ big bad defense look as advertised, even without stars?
The day should also provide clarity about the pecking order within the Patriots’ own position groups. The coaches can get a different look at the ultra-fluid wide receiver room, or an idea of whether they should be locked in with Garrett Bradbury starting at center. They can evaluate their own cornerback depth with their high-level talent out, and see whether a Commander (or two) can punch the ball out of Rhamondre Stevenson’s hands.
It’s far from just another day at practice.
“Leave no stone unturned,” Peppers advised younger players after Tuesday’s walkthrough. “Dip your toe in the water. They’re evaluating this film as if it’s a game. There’s a lot of great players on that side of the ball and they want to see you go out and compete. They want to see you win your matchups. Those guys get paid, too.”
Hear that? Evaluation reaches game-level. This is Allen Iverson’s media conference fodder. Much like pads coming on in training camp, joint practices represent one big step closer to the actual season.
Expectations for Vrabel’s squad are higher than New England has weathered in recent summers. Washington’s coming to town, and it’s later than you think.