FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots are now through 13 open training camp practices, with just Tuesday’s joint session against the Philadelphia Eagles left on the schedule.
Monday’s session was a predictably short and light affair, as the Patriots dialed back the intensity ahead of their date with the Eagles. It was an all-around sloppy performance, with the offense committing at least four penalties and the defense struggling with substitutions throughout.
Let’s look at players who stood out for good or bad reasons on Day 13 of Patriots training camp.
Best Performances on Day 13 of Patriots Training Camp
WR DeMario Douglas | STUD
The dynamic second-year slot receiver led all Patriots pass-catchers with five catches on five targets in team drills.
He’s the team’s No. 1 receiver, even though he doesn’t fit the typical description. Douglas gets open more than anyone, has the best hands, and is the most dangerous after the catch.
When Douglas is on the field, you can squint and see a decent offense. But he needs to stay healthy.
LB Jahlani Tavai | STUD
I credited Tavai with a sack and a pass breakup. He also played well against the run, though that doesn’t mean much in a non-padded practice. Tavai’s enjoyed a solid camp since signing his contract extension and suddenly has become one of New England’s most important defensive players.
WR Ja’Lynn Polk | STUD
The rookie made three catches during team drills, with a deep sideline grab against Isaiah Bolden (Joe Milton III was at QB) representing the play of the day. The second-rounder also caught a touchdown from Drake Maye on a legal pick play.
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You could argue that Polk has plateaued after a fast start to camp, and he doesn’t produce many “wow” plays, but he’s been consistent and catches nearly every ball thrown his way.
Players Who Struggled on Day 13 of Patriots Training Camp
Offensive line | DUD
I credited the O-line with three sacks, three stuffed runs, three false-start penalties, and a holding. Other quarterback pressures might’ve resulted in sacks during real games.
It was a rough and sloppy performance from a group that must improve. Let’s see if the O-line makes a statement against the Eagles’ stout defensive line on Tuesday.
QB Joe Milton | DUD
Here are Milton’s practice stats:
11-on-11s: 1-of-4, one sack, one interception, one drop, one scramble
7-on-7s: zero reps
Milton was intercepted by rookie safety Dell Pettus, who corralled a ball tipped by linebacker Joe Giles-Harris. It was an inefficient and unproductive day for Milton, who struggled in his limited opportunities.
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It wasn’t all Milton’s fault, but 1-for-4 with an interception is what it is. Sure, Milton was victimized by a Kayshon Boutte drop, but he made his share of his mistakes, too. He’s also fortunate that a deep shot for JaQuae Jackson wasn’t intercepted.
It’s worth noting that Bailey Zappe didn’t see any team reps for the first time this summer. If that happens again on Tuesday, the battle for the No. 3 QB likely will be over — if it isn’t already.
WR Kayshon Boutte | DUD
We’re probably being too harsh, but Boutte committed the only drop of practice and did so a day after saying he’s a lock to make the roster. Boutte isn’t a roster lock largely because of drops, which cropped up again on Monday. He finished with one catch on three targets in team drills.