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The first six training camp practices were an eventful opening week for Jerod Mayo's maiden voyage as the head coach of the Patriots.
New England is trying to build a strong foundation. Foundation is a key word around 1 Patriot Place in year one for Mayo, who was asked on veteran report day last week to define a succesful season for the Patriots.
"A successful season, in my eyes, is really about the foundation," Mayo said last Tuesday. "Have we put together a good foundation of a combination of young and older players to really start competing? It would be great to get up here and say we're going to win a Super Bowl, but once again, it's about the process."
The Patriots head coach's answer was spot on. It would be fantastic to see the team go from four wins to playoff-caliber in one offseason. It would also be great to see third-overall pick Drake Maye on the fast track to being a star in the NFL. However, the reality is that it's a marathon, not a sprint, for the Patriots and a good process will hopefully lead to good results.
While the Patriots bring Maye along as he learns the nuances of the quarterback position, there are early signs of life for the top offense with veteran Jacoby Brissett. Mainly, we're seeing a more competent offensive line than expected, and rookie wide receivers Ja'Lynn Polk (second round) and Javon Baker (fourth round) look like NFL receivers a week into camp.
Again, it would be great if the offensive line and young receivers were blossoming with Maye under center. But if the improvements they've made lead to a strong foundation Mayo was talking about, then the offense will be better off when Maye is ready to take the reins.
Before camp, a popular narrative was that the Patriots supporting cast wouldn't be a suitable environment for a young quarterback. Frankly, it's too premature to say they're really building something here. Still, here are a few examples of the progress with Brissett:
Under new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, the Patriots are installing an outside zone-heavy run system. Although the defense punched back on day two, seeing the offense break multiple big runs on zone schemes on the first day in pads was encouraging. The pass protection has also looked more competitive in padded practices than in recent years.
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1818085751545884929
In Monday's fully padded session, Brissett had clean pockets to deliver downfield throws to Baker and third-year receiver Tyquan Thornton. Then, on Tuesday, Brissett feathered a throw perfectly over the safety for a touchdown to tight end Hunter Henry, followed by an in-rhythm crosser to wideout K.J. Osborn that resembled a play you'd see on Sundays.
The theme on all four throws was a clean pocket for Brissett to deliver downfield. Objectively, this is the most competent the offensive line has looked this early in camp since 2021. There are fewer "no chance" plays that led to the Patriots ranking dead-last in pass-blocking win rate a year ago. Even though it's a small step forward, it's still progress.
Van Pelt and line coach Scott Peters come from a coaching tree in Cleveland that knows how to scheme the run game and had solid offensive lines in each of the four seasons that Van Pelt worked for the Browns. Most of the credit goes to heralded offensive line coach Bill Callahan, but it's possible that the system they're installing in New England just works, like how former line coach Carmen Bricillo ran a steady ship after learning under Dante Scarnecchia.
With all training camp coverage, context is important. It's two days in pads, while the Patriots defense was without top pass-rushers Matthew Judon and Christian Barmore. Still, if the line holds up and the rookie receivers emerge as contributors, New England is in much better shape offensively to support Maye whenever his time comes. And his time will come when he's ready.
For now, Brissett has good command in a familiar offense and is flashing a big-time throw rate that ranked tenth in the NFL during 11 starts with the Browns in 2022 (4.5%). They need to clean up some procedural issues that have led to multiple "penalty" laps and be more consistent outside the big plays, but it's nice to see the flashes in these early days.
Here are 10 takeaways from the opening week of Patriots camp:
Photo by Eric J. Adler
1. More Details on the Patriots O-Line Progress
To add another layer to the offensive line's progress, the Patriots split into two groups for a one-on-one period in Tuesday's practice, where the top pass-rushers went against the top line.
Based on my charting, the offensive line won eight of the first nine reps (one tie). It was the second consecutive day that the offensive line had the upper hand, and Peters was very hands-on with his starters, coaching up their technique in between reps. It also gave us a snapshot of the current depth chart on the O-Line.
Without starting center David Andrews over the last two days, the Patriots have consistently repped with the following offensive line configuration: LT Caedan Wallace, LG Sidy Sow, C Nick Leverett, RG Mike Onwenu, and RT Chuks Okorafor. The Pats guard tandem had a strong start to pads, with Onwenu being a dominant 6-0-1 in one-on-ones through two days – he's been outstanding after signing a three-year deal this offseason.
Sow is also on track for a strong second season after a productive rookie campaign where his play strength to carve out rushing lanes on the interior was already NFL-caliber. Once they get their captain back, an interior trio of Sow, Andrews, and Onwenu should provide solid width to the pocket for quarterbacks to operate and be a plus-run blocking trio.
The real question mark for New England, which is why pre-camp ranking had them as low as 31st out of 32 offensive lines, was at offensive tackle. However, third-round draft choice Caedan Wallace is trending toward being a day-one starter. Wallace has looked the part during full team drills at left tackle. He's showing early improvement with his technique and has a nice blend of power and balance with a naturally wide base. Although day two in one-on-ones wasn't as good, he was better on day one (2-1-1).
Along with the starting five with Leverett at center, veteran tackle Calvin Anderson and backup G/C Atonio Mafi were also in the top group. Andrews would likely push Mafi down the depth chart, while fourth-rounder Layden Robinson, who also looks like he belongs, has a strong chance to make the roster as the 103rd overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Those eight linemen are seemingly the current leaders to make the initial 53-man roster, with the possibility that the Patriots could carry an extra tackle like Vederian Lowe as depth. Right tackle is the one spot that looks a little shaky right now, so they might keep their options open.
Is there a world where the Patriots insert Robinson at right guard and move Onwenu back outside? Yes, I wouldn't rule that possibility out. The same goes if Cole Strange gets healthy.
2. First-Year Receivers Pushing to be Immediate Contributors
The other promising development for the Patriots offense is that rookie receivers Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker have been as advertised through six training camp practices.
Polk has been featured with other regulars in the Patriots offense as a reliable underneath target. Polk has also made a few downfield grabs, showing off those strong hands and body control in contested situations. But most of his catches are on quick outs and in-breakers at the first two levels. From this perspective, he's a Jakobi Meyers clone, winning with a sudden release and fluidity at the top of routes to glide through breaks.
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1818421816056009156
As for Baker, he had a string of days with highlight-reel grabs. Baker has legit build-up speed to separate with the ball in the air, can elevate above defenders, and has an explosive gear that can be difference-making. If all goes according to plan, the Patriots would have a big play (Baker) and possession (Polk) receiver, and that's how it's looked in practice.
The next step for Polk is to see what he can do as a ball carrier at this level. If he's going to be mostly a first and second-level receiver, you'd like to see Polk turn a relatively low target depth into bigger plays with yards after catch. With Baker, it's consistency. He's clearly explosive, but can he be a high-volume receiver?
Those unknowns will likely decide Polk and Baker's ceilings in the NFL, but they've popped more in padded practices than other early-round rookies at the position in recent years.
3. Rookie QB Joe Milton Deserves Credit for Competitive Start to Camp
With most of the attention on Brissett and Maye, Milton has put together a solid start to camp. He has the liveliest arm I've ever seen in person, and that's not hyperbole. Milton's arm strength shrinks the field, and his drive throws are more impressive than his deep ball. The 24-year-old's ability to drive the ball on a deep out or through a zone defense is rare. On Tuesday, Milton hit veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster on a glance route (five-step slant) that was an absolute laser for a touchdown.
Although he only made 21 career starts, you can tell what spending six seasons in college did for his development as an in-structure passer. There will always be doubts about Milton's ability to harness his bazooka arm to throw with touch/accuracy at the first two levels, but watching him throw a football is fun. I'm not sure what to make of it yet, but he's definitely worth developing as a quarterback.
Photo by Keith Nordstrom
4. Putting Drake Maye's Start to Camp in Context
Regular readers and listeners know I was a big Maye guy during the pre-draft process, and it's fair to be a bit disappointed that the third-overall pick has looked like a rookie so far.
However, let's put a few things in context. No, we aren't making excuses, but context is important. Beyond the fact that Maye is working with a backup O-Line that hasn't done him any favors, he's also a 21-year-old with only 26 collegiate starts under his belt.
Maye operated in Phil Longo's Air Raid system in his first season as the starter and then an Air Raid adjacent offense with Chip Lindsey last year. North Carolina's offense put Maye in the gun/spread and let his arm talent shine by allowing him to attack isolation routes, read out a wide-open middle of the field, and create out-of-structure on extended drop-backs.
Now, he's in an old-school West Coast passing system where he's reading out progressions and tasked with operating in structure. In games, his superpowers are his big-time throw ability and being able to extend plays, but practice is all about playing on time – coaches don't want playground football in training camp. Instead, they want Maye to run the plays as they should hit on the call sheet. It's going to take reps for him to get the timing down.
Eventually, you'd like to see Maye being able to dissect defenses to pick them apart from the pocket. But he looks his best when they get him on the move, and he's attacking single coverage on the outside, where it's a more simplified approach, which is understandable.
Maye is still adjusting to a brand-new offensive system. Would it be nice if he was adjusting quicker? Sure. But that's not the guy the Patriots drafted, at least for now.
5. Kevin Harris Has the Early Lead for the RB3 Spot, While Preseason Awaits for UDFAs
A roster battle that has yet to truly declare without live tackling in practice is at running back. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson are locked in as a tandem. If healthy, the duo will get the bulk of the work, and they've taken advantage of the holes when they're there. However, it's anyone's guess what will happen behind Gibson and Stevenson.
Harris has been repping as the RB3 as the incumbent and had a big run in Monday's practice. But this competition will be decided in preseason games, where Harris, JaMycal Hasty, and undrafted rookies Terrell Jennings and Deshaun Fenwick will likely get most of the snaps.
6. Can the Patriots Weather Potential Absences for Judon and Barmore?
One stat that stood out in Aaron Schatz's annual season preview is the Patriots pressure rate splits last season. According to Schatz, the Patriots defense was only 24th in pressure rate on early downs compared to second on third and fourth down. You could argue that it was due to a less aggressive approach on early downs while dialing up pressure on third down. However, the other layer was that, without Judon for most of the season, the Pats lacked a three-down player who could make an impact off the edge in all situations.
In the first two days of padded practices, we got a taste of how things could look without Judon and Christian Barmore (blood clots), the Patriots best every-down penetrator last season. Judon was a non-participant due to ongoing contract negotiations, while Barmore is out indefinitely with no current timetable for his return.
The Patriots need second-year edge rusher Keion White to step up without Judon, and White has wrecked running plays in team drills. Other players in larger roles are Daniel Ekuale, Trysten Hill, and newcomer Oshane Ximines, who has had some flashes as a pass-rusher.
Still, the one-on-one drills controlled by the offensive line referenced earlier show Barmore and Judon's importance to the defensive front. Again, you can scheme pressure in obvious passing situations, but that's hard on early downs, and so far, players are saying the scheme under Mayo and DC DeMarcus Covington is mostly unchanged. Instead, you need players like Barmore and Judon, who can beat single blocks and hold up against the run.
7. Cornerback Depth Chart Starting to Solidify Itself in Pats Secondary
The Patriots feel great about their starting cornerback tandem, Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones. Although it's still a competition, Marcus Jones has emerged as the third corner. Jones has played some on the outside but projects as a prime candidate to play the nickel/star role in the slot.
Those three will be in the mix, with a competitive battle for the fourth cornerback spot that could be a key rotational piece. Along with providing depth, the Pats might need to sub off Jones for more size in certain matchups, especially on the outside. Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, and Marco Wilson are neck and neck for that situational role. Wilson, who joined the team late last season, is a five-year NFL vet, so he has experience on his side. However, Bolden has logged multiple pass breakups, and Austin has good film to carry over from last season.
The Patriots may keep six cornerbacks, but if there's only a five-CB room, it'll come down to the wire between the three corners vying for the final two spots.
8. True Center-fielder/Free Safety Might be an Overstated Role for Pats Defense
The other development in the secondary for the Patriots is an ongoing conversation about their need for a pure free safety. We've discussed a potential Duron Harmon role: a third safety who would play in the deep part of the field in obvious passing situations to allow Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where they're at their best.
In the spring, Jaylinn Hawkins was heavily involved as a potential free safety in the Harmon mold. Hawkins still has a chance to make the roster in that capacity, but the role might've been overstated. After signing Dugger and Peppers to long-term contracts, they will anchor a disguised-based backend on most snaps. Plus, Jonathan or Marcus Jones will be at nickel and likely rotate deep in certain coverage structures.
At this point, it'll be hard for another defensive back to crack a lineup featuring Gonzalez, J. Jones, M. Jones, Peppers, and Dugger. If someone does, a cornerback with more size will likely see playing time in dime packages over a third safety. But that could change.
9. Van Pelt's Scheming Bears Watching as the Patriots Add to Base Offense
Circling back to the offense for one last nugget, the Patriots base offense has been mostly stagnant at the snap, meaning there isn't much motion (jet, orbit, etc.) going on in practice.
Last season, the Browns ranked 31st in motion at the snap rate. Conversely, other outside zone offenses are trend-setters in motion usage (MIA, LAR, SF, GB). Speaking to reporters this week, Browns GM Andrew Berry said it was one of the motivations for replacing Van Pelt with Ken Dorsey. Some hate this phrase, but Berry's answer felt like they wanted to add modern elements to their scheme, like RPOs and motion.
Van Pelt knows how to coach the traditional West Coast offense and has a good track record with quarterbacks. But my question with the AVP hire is about the scheme. The Shanahan tree teams have livened up the WCO offense more than Cleveland has in recent years.
10. Early Impression of New Kickoff Rules in Patriots Practice
Lastly, without giving away too much strategy, the Patriots are in a good position to be a dynamic return team with the new kickoff rules. Marcus Jones should eat if they kick to him with these new rules, but my guess is teams won't test it. The lack of special teams in practice has been an interesting development, and it's a positive from this vantage point that Mayo wants to get away from carrying so many coverage aces. As for less special teams periods work, one theory is the Pats are hiding their kickoff plans until the regular season.
Nobody knows what winning feels like more than New England Patriots fans. Since the 2001 season, the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick tandem led the Patriots to an NFL-leading six Super Bowl victories during that stretch, cementing themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.
Unfortunately, the Patriots haven't done a ton of winning lately.
Not only have they missed three of the last four postseasons since Brady left town, but they're only averaging 7.3 wins per season during that stretch. In other words, it isn't surprising that the fanbase is frustrated after going for nonstop winning for nearly two decades to the last few years' shortcomings.
While being frustrated by a team is part of being a sports fan, Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon believes that some fans are taking it too far.
View: https://youtu.be/a5yihjhUq7A
"[Patriots fans] just been so spoiled from winning — consistently winning — that y’all don’t dislike the other team," Judon said as he voiced his frustrations. " Y’all dislike our team cause we losing."
On one hand, it's easy to see where Judon is coming from. Regardless of how bad the Patriots have been in recent years, it has to be frustrating to see fans who'd rather hate on the team than boo the opposition.
On the other hand, Judon wasn't with the franchise during the Brady-Belichick era, so it isn't as if he knows what the fanbase is going through. The aforementioned duo spoiled the city for years, yes, however, a lot of goodwill has faded away after Belichick made some questionable draft and personnel decisions following Brady's exit.
In other words, Judon likely have been more understanding of the fans' behavior if he hadn't arrived in town following the glory days.
During that same podcast appearance, Judon made it clear that he wants the Patriots to use a portion of their $43 million cap space — the most in the NFL, per Spotrac — to finalize a deal so he can re-focus on training camp.
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1818023853484048783
Judon made an immediate impact upon joining the Patriots. He registered a whopping 28.0 sacks in his first two seasons with the franchise, resulting in back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances and a ninth-place finish in the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Unfortunately, Judon wasn't able to continue that success last season. The former Grand Valley State defender injured his biceps against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4 and didn't suit up for another game. He registered a total of 10 solo tackles, 4.0 sacks, and a safety in his four appearances.
Having said that, a season-ending injury like that one could be a big reason why the Patriots are hesitant to pay Judon. While there's no denying his status as one of the league's best LBs, he's still turning 32 years old in less than three weeks and his body might not have what it takes to recover to a high level anymore.
Let's just hope that Judon and the Patriots can work out an agreement that lets them put any contract discussions in the rearview. New England needs as few distractions as possible given that their current project win total sits at 4.5 on FanDuel Sportsbook.
Unfortunately, the Patriots haven't done a ton of winning lately.
Not only have they missed three of the last four postseasons since Brady left town, but they're only averaging 7.3 wins per season during that stretch. In other words, it isn't surprising that the fanbase is frustrated after going for nonstop winning for nearly two decades to the last few years' shortcomings.
While being frustrated by a team is part of being a sports fan, Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon believes that some fans are taking it too far.
Patriots News: Matthew Judon Calls New England Fans 'Spoiled'
Judon, who joined the Patriots as a free agent in 2021, had some harsh words for the team's fans when he appeared on Monday's edition of the Shut Up Marc Podcast. During his appearance, the 31-year-old LB told the hosts that while he loves the New England fanbase, he doesn't like how fans hate the Pats' lack of recent success more than they do other teams.View: https://youtu.be/a5yihjhUq7A
"[Patriots fans] just been so spoiled from winning — consistently winning — that y’all don’t dislike the other team," Judon said as he voiced his frustrations. " Y’all dislike our team cause we losing."
On one hand, it's easy to see where Judon is coming from. Regardless of how bad the Patriots have been in recent years, it has to be frustrating to see fans who'd rather hate on the team than boo the opposition.
On the other hand, Judon wasn't with the franchise during the Brady-Belichick era, so it isn't as if he knows what the fanbase is going through. The aforementioned duo spoiled the city for years, yes, however, a lot of goodwill has faded away after Belichick made some questionable draft and personnel decisions following Brady's exit.
In other words, Judon likely have been more understanding of the fans' behavior if he hadn't arrived in town following the glory days.
Judon Continues to Provide Off-Field Distractions
Judon's frustration towards the fanbase emerges as he's in the middle of a contract controversy. The four-time Pro Bowl defender sat out of Monday's full-padded practice as he continues to search for a pay raise over the $7.5 million he's scheduled to make this season.During that same podcast appearance, Judon made it clear that he wants the Patriots to use a portion of their $43 million cap space — the most in the NFL, per Spotrac — to finalize a deal so he can re-focus on training camp.
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1818023853484048783
Judon made an immediate impact upon joining the Patriots. He registered a whopping 28.0 sacks in his first two seasons with the franchise, resulting in back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances and a ninth-place finish in the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Unfortunately, Judon wasn't able to continue that success last season. The former Grand Valley State defender injured his biceps against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4 and didn't suit up for another game. He registered a total of 10 solo tackles, 4.0 sacks, and a safety in his four appearances.
Having said that, a season-ending injury like that one could be a big reason why the Patriots are hesitant to pay Judon. While there's no denying his status as one of the league's best LBs, he's still turning 32 years old in less than three weeks and his body might not have what it takes to recover to a high level anymore.
Let's just hope that Judon and the Patriots can work out an agreement that lets them put any contract discussions in the rearview. New England needs as few distractions as possible given that their current project win total sits at 4.5 on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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View: https://youtu.be/6xl7026cwbI
