Patriots training camp notebook: Defense dominates on Day 10
Monday was the first of two Patriots training camp practice this week ahead of the team’s preseason opener on Thursday.
After a day off on Sunday Patriots training camp resumed on Monday. It was the first of two full practices for the team this week (they’ll have a closed walkthrough on Wednesday) ahead of their preseason opener on Thursday.
This practice felt like one geared towards getting ready for a game. The run game was a significant focus, and later in the day we saw the first live-tackling drills of camp – and the first live-tackling in 11-on-11 we’ve seen for a while at Patriots training camp.
Overall, it felt like the defense won the day. Let’s get into that and more in today’s Patriots training camp notebook…
Stuffing the run
Between three 11-on-11 full-speed periods on Monday the Patriots ran the ball 16 times. Eight times, the defense came up with a run stuff. Only three of the runs were broken for significant gain.
Without Christian Barmore’s three-down versatility, the Patriots’ plan against the run seems to be simply bulking up in the middle. Mike Purcell, Jeremiah Pharms, and Sam Roberts have all seen more time with the top offensive unit. The Patriots have multiple combinations that will work in obvious running situations, but the real test will be stopping the run on in-between downs when they need pass rushers on the field as well.
Ja’Whaun Bentley stands out
Ja’Whaun Bentley is primarily a run-stopper, and on a day the defense stonewalled the run he certainly did his part. However, he also made a few plays in the passing game.
At one point he came up the middle on a blitz untouched against the top offense. Jacoby Brissett tried throwing hot into the blitz, but Bentley was able to reach an arm out and knock the ball down. He also showed good instincts later in practice, picking off a pass that bounced off the hands of fullback Keion White (more on that in a bit).
Switching sides
The Patriots don’t have a traditional fullback on their roster this year, so they’ll have to get creative when they want to go with bigger looks on offense. We saw them try that out today in a goal line 11-on-11 period.
During that period, two defensive linemen got looks with the offense. Keion White – who started his college career as a tight end – stood up Jahlani Tavai in the hole on his first rep, before his drop on the next play. Jeremiah Pharms also got a look.
Last year the Patriots tried a package with Tavai at fullback in camp, but that look never made it to game action. We’ll see if this year is any different.
WATCH: Beetle & Dolloff react to Day 10 of Patriots training camp
Both quarterbacks unlucky
Both Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye threw interceptions on Monday, but neither was helped by their receivers. Brissett’s pick was clean off the hands of Keion White.
Meanwhile, Maye’s game in full-field 11s when he was trying to hit UDFA tight end Jacob Warren over the middle. Warren was facing tight coverage, so Maye elevated the ball for him to go get. Warren got both hands on the ball but couldn’t secure the catch, with the ball bouncing right to safety A.J. Thomas.
In total, Brissett finished the day 10/13 in 11-on-11s. Maye was 5-for-10, but did try throwing the ball deep more than he has in any other practice. He nearly connected on one 50-plus yarder, but the ball went just past the fingertips of K.J. Osborn after he got a step on the defender.
More reps for the third string competition
For most of training camp, the Patriots have alternated reps for Joe Milton and Bailey Zappe between periods. For instance – Jacoby Brissett reps first, then Drake Maye, then Milton, then it’s on to the next period. For the next drill Brissett and Maye will go, then Zappe with Milton not taking any snaps. And on and on like that.
Monday was the first time in a while they both repped together in the same drill. It happened only twice, but it was a change. This could be a result of them getting the two ready to play in the preseason opener.
Milton ended up completing four of his seven pass attempts in team drills on the day. Zappe completed three of his four.
Latest on the line
The Patriots continue to move players around on the offensive line. With Chuks Okorafor not practicing again on Monday the team had Calvin Anderson at right tackle while Vederian Lowe remains at left tackle. It’s a big week for this group (or whatever five start the preseason opener) as the process of finding the ‘best five’ for the start of the regular season continues.
Improvement from Christian Gonzalez
During the first week of padded practices cornerback Christian Gonzalez didn’t show the progress some had hoped he’d make heading into Year 2. One day doesn’t change that, but Gonzalez was much better on Monday – specifically in team drills. One play in particular saw him go stride for stride with rookie wide receiver Javon Baker on a go route, taking away any potential window for Drake Maye, who wanted to throw the ball deep.
Again, one day doesn’t guarantee Gonzalez will be an All-Pro. But, it’s encouraging to see him trending in the right direction. Now, it will be about him playing his way more constantly.
Shaun Wade making the most of being healthy
Monday was the first padded practice of the summer where Shaun Wade wasn’t wearing a red non-contact jersey. Wade made the most of the opportunity, repping more with the top defense and recording a couple of pass breakups.
Depending on how things shake out with Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones, Wade could very well have a role in the Patriots’ secondary this year (something we detailed in the latest Patriots mailbag). Monday’s practice certainly helped his case.
Battling back-and-forth
Through the last week, one regular battle that’s emerged in training camp is tight end Hunter Henry against safety Jaylinn Hawkins. The two seem to match up regularly in 11-on-11s and one-on-ones, and it’s typically competitive. Henry got the better of Hawkins on Monday after Hawkins had tight coverage on him for most of Saturday.
Covering tight ends has been an issue for the Patriots’ defense in recent years. Hawkins’ ability to stick with Henry is an encouraging sign.
UDFA standouts
Through the first few padded practices, two UDFAs have stood out – running back Terrell Jennings and safety Dell Pettus. Both play with a high motor and are regularly involved when on the field. Given the competition ahead of them at both spots making the roster could be tough, but they’re strong practice squad candidates who are worth keeping an eye on in the preseason opener.
One-on-one winners
The Patriots ran more one-on-ones on Monday, both for pass catchers and linemen. Here are some standout winners from the pass catchers…
KJ Osborn over Alex Austin
Christian Gonzalez over JuJu Smith-Schuster
Ja’Lynn Polk over Azizi Hearn
Javon Baker over Marco Wilson
Smith-Schuster over Marcellas Dial
Osborn over Hearn
Jalen Reagor over Shaun Wade
Baker over Isiah Bolden
Brenden Schooler over Austin Hooper
Hang times
Bryce Baringer was getting all of the ball during a team punt period early in practice. Here are his hang times…
4.89 seconds
5.22
4.90
4.01
5.10
4.95
5.11
4.69
Attendance
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, tight end Jaheim Bell, and tackle Calvin Anderson all returned to action on Monday after missing recent practices. However Thornton was limited, and didn’t take part in all the team drills (although he did get into a shoving match with Jaylinn Hawkins on the second play of team drills).
Tackle Chuks Okorafor, defensive tackle Christian Barmore, and defensive backs Marte Mapu, Joshuah Bledsoe, and Jonathan Jones all remain out. Okorafor was on the field but not in pads.
What’s next?
Patriots training camp resumes on Tuesday, with what is expected to be a rain-soaked practice. That will be the team’s final open practice before the preseason opener on Thursday.
