Some Patriots news and notes on this Thursday:
Solid Start for Drake Maye
While veteran Jacoby Brissett took all the top reps on Wednesday, New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye certainly had some terrific moments.
The biggest one came on one throw where the dropped in a pass that was just out of reach of Jalen Reagor during a 7-on-7 period, but the wideout managed to make a terrific one-handed grab for a would-be touchdown, which caused quite a reaction from the fans who were on hand to take in the session.
The thing that was probably the most impressive is the fact that it looked fairly effortless on Maye’s part, with the rookie showing off his arm strength at several points in Wednesday’s practice, including another long throw later in the session.
It wasn’t perfect, as the rookie did have one play with a botched snap (which came as Nick Leverett reportedly got some work in at center) along with a sack, while reporters had him at 6-of-10 during competitive periods.
Brissett finished the practice 10-of-13, but did have an interception that came following an ill-advised throw back across the field that was tipped by Jonathan Jones and picked off by Kyle Dugger.
Overall, Maye was decisive and looked relatively comfortable out there on day one, which will certainly be something to build on.
Early Setbacks Something to Watch
The Patriots started off the session with perfect attendance, save for the list of players who were already reported to have been starting things off on PUP and NFI:
PUP
– LB Sione Takitaki
– OL Jake Andrews
– OL Cole Strange
– RB Terrell Jennings
– WR Kendrick Bourne
Non-Football Injury List
– Antonio Gibson
Despite the fact the club didn’t don pads on Wednesday, several players ended up seemingly suffering slight setbacks, which will make each of their respective statuses something to keep an eye on this morning.
Christian Barmore – Greg Bedard of Boston Sports Journal reported during practice that Barmore left the field with an apparent injury. No other details were given, but obviously, after getting an extension this offseason, and with the subsequent issue it’s been reported to have caused in the negotiations of both Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux, it’s definitely not a good start for him.
Demario Douglas – Was out on the field for warm ups but several reports said he was standing between the fields and spent several minutes with a Patriots staff member. He was later seen with the rest of the receivers but wasn’t wearing a helmet and didn’t participate in any of the reps in practice.
Shaun Wade – Wade was another player who was spotted off to the sides running sprints by himself during the 11-on-11 portion of the practice. No other details were made available on him, but he’s a guy who most reports have indicated will definitely be battling for a roster spot among this current group.
Jabril Peppers – According to reporter Zack Cox, Peppers was spotted being attended to by trainers with an apparent calf injury. The veteran then took both his helmet and his jersey, which ended his time in practice. He later participated in some conditioning after practice, which was certainly good news given his value to the defense after a terrific 2023 campaign.
Judon and Godchaux Participated
Despite their ongoing respective contract disputes, both Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux participated during Wednesday’s practice.
Some had thought that the players might “hold-in” given that most reports haven’t been positive regarding their contracts, but head coach Jerod Mayo said before practice yesterday that he expected them to be out there and that’s exactly what happened.
Judon held an interview session with reporters after practice and expressed his desire to remain in New England, although he repeatedly said, “it’s not up to me,” in regards to his future.
“As much as everybody wants to see me stay around here for a long time, it’s really not up to me, bro,” said Judon. “I’d pay myself a lot of money and just stay around here for a long time, but it’s not up to me, man. So, you got to ask those guys that’s making those decisions. They’re trying to do what’s best for the team, rightfully so and understandably.”
“They’re trying to put us in the right spot to win games and leverage everybody’s contract in the right situation, make sure the salary cap is right, so where if we get in a tough spot later on the year, we can sign players and whatnot. But it’s not up to me. I’d pay myself a lot of money and then just be cool with it.”
Judon also said that “it’s tough not to be jealous or envious” of other players both “around the league and in the building” who received new deals. However, he also added that he has no desire to be traded, and his hope is that things work out.
For now, he said he loves the organization and he plans on playing out his deal, albeit reluctantly.
“I got to. Honestly, bro, that’s again, I signed the deal, my signature on it, so I got to play on it,” he said. “Would I like to? No. Do I think that’s my value? No. But again, bro, that’s not up to me.”
Odds and Ends
New England’s offensive line on Wednesday reportedly consisted of Chuckwuma Okorafor at left tackle, Sidy Sow at left guard, David Andrews at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard, and veteran Calvin Anderson at right tackle. Anderson’s appearance caught the attention of many after rookie Caedan Wallace finished the spring there, but the fact Anderson is back out is good news in and of itself. Should he ultimately earn a starting role, that would certainly be an outstanding story after battling his way back during a frightening bout with malaria last summer. … Jonathan Jones was the starting corner opposite Christian Gonzalez on Wednesday. Both Alex Austin and Marcus Jones also reportedly got reps as well. … According to reports, rookie Marcellas Dial had a good outing in his first practice, not allowing a catch and looking solid in coverage. He’s been described as a “sticky” player and after seeing the reports, that was on display on Wednesday. … Jalen Reagor was the star of practice, with the veteran obviously making the biggest play of the day while also making additional plays. As a result, he’s started things off by doing a good job of trying to make a case for himself on the club’s depth chart. Most remember his kick return last year, and he’s a likely candidate to have a role there this season as well. … K.J. Osborn didn’t see much action in the team’s first practice. He was reportedly targeted once, but he was the player Brissett was targeting when he was picked off by Dugger. … JuJu Smith-Schuster had a good practice, with Maye connecting with him on multiple passes. The two also reportedly stayed after practice, getting some additional work in together. … Austin Hooper was reportedly a star on Wednesday, snagging a pass from Brissett down the seam and also made a great reception on another pass that was a low-throw from the veteran, yet Hooper hauled it in for the completion. Mike Onwenu said on his return to right guard that he’s happy doing whatever the team needs him to. “Wherever the team needs me in to play is where I’ll be, essentially,” said Onwenu. “As the day is going on, I’ll keep practicing whatever position. And game day, we’ll see where I am.”
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Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
I’ve seen a number of articles regarding the supposed “surprising” phenomenon that Onwenu is practicing at RG. (1) It means potentially zero right now in day 2 of camp or prior in OTA. Many players get reps a varying spots prior to the coaches (not the media) settling on depth chart, starters and player positions. (2) Why is it a surprise that Onwenu is at RG when actual football NFL coaches have consistently assessed Onwenu as guard being his optimal position. (3) The fact Onwenu helped stabablize RT in 2023, doesn’t mean he was great. It means the pats had… Read more »
Judon sounds like a standup guy. I wish him well with contract negotiations.