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5 takeaways from Day 18 of Patriots training camp
The Patriots' last practice before Thursday's preseason finale is in the books.
FOXBOROUGH — Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense enjoyed a bounce-back performance on Tuesday.
Maye had somewhat of a rough start, having passes broken up by Carlton Davis and Alex Austin at the beginning of the team drills. He also had a pass batted down by Milton Williams later on in the practice.
But, overall, the offense moved the ball efficiently during this practice in shorts and shells. Maye found Austin Hooper for a big gain on a short throw out of a play-action boot.
He made a strong throw under pressure when he hit Mack Hollins, who made a one-handed leaping catch. He found Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas on short routes and hit Antonio Gibson with a screen.
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Josh Dobbs was efficient as well, completing all seven of his passing attempts.
Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams and the rest of the defensive assistants spoke before practice, along with Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden.
Here are five takeaways from the Patriots’ last practice before Thursday’s preseason finale.
Rhamondre Stevenson back in red jersey
The Patriots had their full running back corps available for the second day in a row, with Rhamondre Stevenson back at practice in a red non-contact jersey.
Stevenson missed Saturday’s preseason game against Minnesota, and it’s unclear what his injury was. He had missed a couple of practices after getting hurt in the preseason opener, but the injury is not viewed as significant according to Mike Vrabel.
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With Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, and the addition of rookie TreVeyon Henderson, running back depth is expected to be a strength for the Patriots this year.
“Man, I like the juice that we bring,” Gibson said. “Everybody gets into the game and does something different. If you’re a competitor, you cheer for your teammates and it does nothing but turn you up.”
Terrell Williams says he’s feeling good after health scare
Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams had a serious health scare during the spring which forced him into working remotely as the team began installing its new defense.
He has been back in Foxborough for training camp, and he had another uncomfortable moment on the sidelines when he was spotted on the ground during practice a while back.
He said it was because of dehydration and reminded people to stay hydrated.
Overall, the coach says he is feeling better.
“I’m ready to go. That’s why I’m here,” Williams said. “Camp has been good, I feel great. Guys are practicing hard, so it’s been a good camp so far.”
Ryan Cowden points out complexity behind blockbuster trades
Eliot Wolf’s comments from Monday prompted quite a few headlines when he said that he is talking to all 31 teams about potential trades, “absolutely” open to making a blockbuster deal, and willing to use a first or second-round pick to get it done if he needs to.
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Being open to taking a swing is quite different from actually getting a deal done, and as Boston.com’s Hayden Bird mentioned during his Morning Sports Update, some insiders view Wolf’s comments as “posturing.”
The Athletic’s Diana Russini said she doesn’t get the sense that the Patriots are close to making any big deals for a disgruntled star at the moment.
The Patriots have reportedly reached out to the Bengals about the possibility of trading for Trey Hendrickson. Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin has reportedly requested a trade.
But, both Wolf and Cowden said completing a deal for a player of that caliber wouldn’t be as simple as people think.
“I think Eliot put it in a good sense yesterday,” Cowden said. “There’s so many layers and complications and nuances about every deal … our job is to come up with ideas, brainstorm, suggestions about players at all level and the acquisition of those players certainly isn’t as easy at times.
“It takes, certainly, two sides. Sometimes the player has say. And, we have to be intentional about whatever moves we make because any move we make sends a message to the rest of the football team. Trust me, we go through scenarios multiple times a day to keep everything alive. In the end [it’s about] how can we make the football team better, how can we get wins on Sundays? It’s just a constant process with a lot of plays. “
Undrafted rookie draws high praise from LB coach
Patriots fans may recall the 100-yard kick return that Henderson had to open the preseason game against Washington.
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Elijah Ponder, an undrafted rookie linebacker, unleashed a ferocious lead block to help spring the speedy running back.
But, it’s not just special teams that has outside linebackers coach Mike Smith excited about Ponder’s future.
“Watching him come out [of the pre-draft process] he wasn’t a guy that people were looking at but if you look at his athletic ability, it’s off the charts,” Smith said. “He’s a big rusher. He moves great in space. He’s not scared to put his face in the middle. He’s got this really rare ability to pick up things quick and look like he’s done it from Day 1. It’s just remarkable.
“That kid has an extremely bright future, probably one of the best free-agent pickups [under] coach Vrabel that I’ve ever seen. I’ll go ahead and throw that out there. He’s got a ways to go though.”
Next stop, New Jersey
The Patriots will conclude their preseason schedule against the Giants on Thursday night.
Safety Jabrill Peppers spent three seasons with the Giants before joining the Patriots in 2022. Peppers grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, which is around 10 miles away from MetLife Stadium, where the Giants play.
Peppers said he is “always excited” to play in his home state against his former team.
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