Patriots Training Camp 14: Offense Ends Walkthrough on Low Note

Attendance

Absent/Did Not Participate: WR Kendrick Bourne, DT Joshua Farmer, CB Christian Gonzalez, TE Hunter Henry, CB D.J. James, LB Marte Mapu, S Josh Minkins, ED Elijah Ponder, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, RB Deneric Prince, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, LB Jahlani Tavai

Additions: ED Jereme Robinson

Left Early: RB Terrell Jennings

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Offense Ends Walkthrough on Low Note

The Patriots spent most of today’s shells practice walking through what they’ll see from the Vikings in Minnesota, which pitted the top offense and defense against scout teams. Practice ended with a more competitive end-of-half situation where the starters faced each other, and it didn’t go well for the offense.

Drake Maye wasn’t on the same page as receivers at times, most notably on a blitz-beater to TreVeyon Henderson where the back wasn’t looking for the ball. Maye also would’ve been sacked twice in a real game, Marcus Jones broke up two DeMario Douglas tartets, and rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson continued to struggle against twists.

At one point, Mike Vrabel was appeared frustrated with the offense not being aware of the play clock, pointing to different clocks around the field as friendly reminders. The only reprieve was a pass interference that got the offense closer to midfield, though Carlton Davis likely should’ve been called after arriving early on a desperation heave to Mack Hollins towards the end of the drive.

Rookie Andy Borregales had a chance to finish strong on a long field goal attempt, but couldn’t connect on his third miss of the day (five total attempts).

It must be acknowledged that facing the same players for weeks makes it tough for an offense to execute optimally, but the unit needs a strong showing in Minnesota after a shaky last two days of practice.

Notebook

• Kyle Dugger looks like the fourth or fifth safety on the depth chart, as Jaylinn Hawkins and Jabrill Peppers remained the top starters with rookie Craig Woodson joining in big nickel. Dugger hasn’t been awful this summer, but he’s allowed catches in man and isn’t making plays on the ball. He’s still a valuable run defender and blitzer, which makes me wonder if a move to linebacker could be beneficial.
• The Patriots’ tackle depth is trending in the right direction. The backup line featured Vederian Lowe at left tackle, where he’s proven to be a quality spot starter, and Marcus Bryant back on the right side, where the rookie showed promise against the Commanders. Demontrey Jacobs was demonted to third-string left tackle opposite right tackle Jack Conley.
• Efton Chism got some reps with Drake Maye during walkthroughs. Wide receivers coach Todd Downing called Chism an “absolute joy to work with,” praising the rookie’s work ethic and ability to quickly pick up the offense.
• It was a rare bad day for both Patriots kickers. Parker Romo missed multiple kicks for the first time this summer, going 1-4 on field goals with a low snap from Julian Ashby. Andy Borregales went 2-4 and missed a field goal to end practice.