Patriots vs Eagles Joint Practice: 5 Things We Learned

Some things we learned following the Patriots joint practice against the Eagles on Thursday.

Drake Maye Was Outstanding

Maye had a strong performance on Thursday, with the quarterback completing 15-of-18, which included completions to 9 different receivers.

He actually went through a stretch where he hit 13-straight passes, with his streak coming to an end following a drop by Romeo Doubs during the team’s two-minute drill.

His offensive line didn’t fare quite as well, with that group having a difficult time against Philadelphia’s defensive line.

Still, one of Maye’s best throws came on a ridiculous pass to A.J. Brown, with the quarterback throwing a perfect pass under pressure off his back foot with Brown moving deep toward the right sideline. Brown ended up hauling in the pass over his shoulder after Maye put it in a spot over the defender where only Brown could grab it.

Maye has continued getting better these last couple of weeks, and he’s playing exceptionally well right now.

A.J. Brown Shines vs Eagles

A.J. Brown had a strong outing against his former team, with the veteran hauling in seven receptions, including one that was the play of the day in a grab over Eagles defensive back Riq Woolen.

Quinyon Mitchell got the better of Brown early, breaking up a deep ball near the beginning of practice in one-on-ones where Brown had a shot after the ball landed over his shoulder but Mitchell got his hand in and broke it up.

However, he settled in after that and his reception by Maye was impressive, and he finished off the practice on the right side of things.

It was obviously an emotional day for the wideout but head coach Mike Vrabel added that Milton Williams also played with those same teammates in Philadelphia, and he expected big efforts from both.

“We’re really excited to have both of those guys,” said Vrabel. “And they’ve practiced hard, whether it was against us or against the Colts. I’m sure we’ll see great efforts from both of them today against the Eagles.”

Fortunately, he got just that.

Jul 28, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (3) makes a catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images — **(PHOTO: Eric Canha-Imagn Images)**

DeMario Douglas’ Strong Summer Continues

Douglas had a terrific showing on Thursday, with his strong summer continuing.

He joined Brown and Romeo Doubs last week as “starters” who got the night off against the Colts, and he seems like he’s also feeling really comfortable at this point in camp.

Douglas had one play early in one-on-ones where he completely spun Eagles defensive back Dooper DeJean around after he faked inside and cut back out, ending up all alone upfield while hauling in the throw.

He had other plays where his quickness again was on display, with Douglas being a big part of the reason why Maye had his way on Thursday against the Eagles.

Secondary Continues to Impress

The Patriots secondary had another strong showing, with the team coming up with multiple interceptions against Eagles QB Jaylen Hurts.

Marcus Jones actually snagged one pass off of Hurts that would have gone for a pick-six, with Hurts seemingly having a difficult time against their defensive backfield.

Craig Woodson had a solid showing for the Patriots, finishing with multiple pressures as a blitzer along with two interceptions. Kevin Byard, Christian Elliss, and Kindle Vildor each made plays against Philly’s offense, including one where Vildor actually stalled one of Philadelphia’s final drives after he picked off Tanner McKee.

Overall, they played extremely well, and the one positive with Christian Gonzalez’s absence has been that it’s continued to give the players down the depth chart extra reps, which they’ve been taking advantage of.

Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Andy Borregales (36) lines up his field goal kick against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images — **(PHOTO: Eric Canha-Imagn Images)**

Bounce Back For Borregales

The Patriots and Eagles went back and forth when it came to working with game situations where the clock was winding down on Thursday.

New England saw a solid performance from kicker Andy Borregales, who, after missing his first attempt, hit his final four kicks, the last of which was good for 52 to finish off each of those drives.

Borregales received praise from head coach Mike Vrabel prior to practice, with Vrabel saying that he’s been pleased to see the way his kicker has bounced back after a rough night last week.

“Yeah, I think so,” when asked if he liked the way Borregales has responded. “And again, we— I don’t want to make excuses, but we were trying to take a look at another snapper. Andy was dealing with something, so we felt like it’d be a good opportunity to take a look at another snapper. And you just understand how critical that operation is.”

“The snap, the laces, all the other things. And yes, we have to make them. But I felt like, to Andy’s credit, he had a great day in front of the team and was able to make the one there at the end. At the end, after the 2-minute.”

About Ian Logue

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.

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