The New England Patriots held their final open practice of training camp on Wednesday in Foxboro, as they get ready for Friday night’s preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.
Here are six players that stood out on the field, for various reasons…
LB Matthew Judon
New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon sprints during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
We credited Judon with three “sacks” during team drills, in a fully-padded but relatively light session. Judon’s continued excellence off the edge has underlined the Patriots’ serious concerns at right tackle and inexperience on the interior, but he makes a lot of blockers look bad.
Judon, who recently got a big bump in guaranteed money and a slight raise for 2023, has predictably made a huge difference for the Patriots defense since the second he started participating in full. The key for him in 2023, as it was in 2022, is to sustain a high level of play and production over the course of a full season.
Asked about the communication on defense, as the team transitions out of the Devin McCourty era, Judon expressed confidence in the Patriots’ new defensive quarterbacks. We’re thinking Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jonathan Jones.
Matthew Judon of the New England Patriots reacts during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 6, 2022. (Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
“Shoot, I be thinking it’s fluid,” Judon said, on the defensive communication. “I think our play-callers do a great job, from the second level to the third level, and they communicate it to us up front. So, if we get a look and we have a check, I think it’s been getting out fast and communicated. It’s just a different voice, but I think it’s just as sharp as it was with Dev.”
“I think we all thought that it was going to slow down or be a little bit complicated, because Dev’s been doing it for so long, but I don’t think so. I think it’s as sharp as it’s ever been with me being around here and I think our play-callers are doing a great job.”
Communication will be key for the unit in the post-McCourty era, but so will Judon simply being the All-Pro-caliber edge rusher he’s been for two seasons. Preferably well into the winter.
WR Kayshon Boutte
Aug. 19, 2023; Green Bay, WI: New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshoun Boutte gestures after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game at Lambeau Field. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
The rookie sixth-round pick out of LSU simply refuses to fade away. Boutte continues to stack days at practice, and he’s being rewarded with meaningful snaps in team drills. He also looks to have a chance to play key roles in special teams coverage, thanks to his speed. His summer has made for interesting choices on the receiver depth chart, as final cutdowns approach.
RB Pierre Strong Jr.
New England Patriots running back Pierre Strong Jr. makes a leaping catch during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Strong still seems to have a long way to go in terms of gaining trust and making dynamic plays, if he ever gets to that point. But we’re giving him a nod as a standout because he shed his red non-contact jersey for a regular one, indicating full health. That, and he’s back to getting consistent work in passing game coordination drills. It’s too early to give up on Strong entirely.
WR Kendrick Bourne
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne runs after making a catch at 2023 minicamp in Foxboro, MA. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Four more catches for Bourne in team drills, including a “touchdown” in the back of the end zone during a late 2-minute simulation. A couple of those catches might not have happened in a real game due to pressure up front, but the important thing for Bourne and Mac Jones is that their chemistry continues to be rekindled.
LB Marte Mapu
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Mapu made a pass breakup during the 2-minute drill, deflecting a pass intended for tight end Anthony Firkser straight up. It’s still unclear what role Mapu will play in the defense in his rookie year, but the Patriots still feel confident that he’ll have one, and have it early.
OL Mike Onwenu
PHILADELPHIA, PA: Mike Onwenu of the New England Patriots walks off the field after a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Aug. 19, 2021. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Onwenu stood out on Wednesday simply because … he was there. In full uniform. Onwenu only took part in light early drills with the offensive line, the equivalent of a pregame warmup. He was otherwise a limited participant. But it’s a great sign for his ability to ramp back up to game shape in time for Week 1. He’s got two and a half weeks.
