FOXBORO, Mass. — Friday offered the best sign yet that the New England Patriots might have a better offense than many people realize.
The passing game enjoyed its best practice since the start of training camp, with a pair of young receivers and the top two quarterbacks all enjoying strong performances. On the downside, one of New England’s top defensive players saw his relatively underwhelming camp continue.
Let’s get into the best and worst performances from Day 8 of Patriots training camp.
Best Players from Day 8 of Patriots Training Camp
WR DeMario Douglas | STUD
DeMario Douglas sat out team drills in the first six camp practices while nursing a left-hand injury. But he’s back to near-full participating, despite still wearing a non-contact jersey, and has made a massive impact.
Douglas had five catches in team drills on Friday, including two “touchdowns.” One of his catches — 25-yard seam route with Jacoby Brissett at QB — was against Christian Gonzalez, with another against Jonathan Jones.
The second-year receiver unlocks so much for the Patriots offense. He gets open against everyone and gives the quarterbacks a fast, dependable option in the middle of the field. It’s no coincidence that New England’s offense enjoyed its two best practices after Douglas returned to team drills.
Javon Baker | STUD
Ja’Lynn Polk has been the Patriots’ most consistent receiver in camp. But Javon Baker, also a rookie, has the most big-play potential and might be the most talented wideout on the roster.
The fourth-round pick went 3-0 in 1-on-1 drills on Friday and easily got open each time. He left one cornerback in the dust, but we couldn’t tell who they were because their jersey was rolled up. Regardless, it was an impressive rep for Baker. He also caught two balls from Drake Maye in team drills, including a “TD” during 7-on-7s.
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Whether Baker can learn the offense well enough to earn an immediate role remains to be seen. But in Baker, Polk, and Douglas, the Patriots have a young, talented receiving group that fans can feel good about.
Javon Baker always getting open 🔥
Creates tons of seperation here
– #patriots #nfl #newenglandpatriots
Patriots Coverage Powered by @Gametime & @PrizePicks pic.twitter.com/QD9ttT83Tl
— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) August 2, 2024
Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett | STUD
Here at the QB stats from Friday’s Practice:
Brissett: 16-for-26, two sacks, three drops
Maye: 11-for-13, three scrambles
Brissett was better than Maye, who rarely threw beyond 10 yards. Nevertheless, it was an impressive day for both quarterbacks, and Maye deserves recognition for rebounding so well from his early week slump.
This was Maye’s best fully padded practice yet and arguably his most impressive practice of camp. He is still living on checkdowns and intermediate throws, but he’s showing better poise and control of the offense.
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Maye was particularly good during his lone 7-on-7 period when he threw two impressive “touchdowns” while on the move. He’s been much more decisive since returning from the off day.
Still, Brissett has a clear edge in the Patriots’ quarterback competition, if there even is one.
Players Who Struggled on Day 8 of Patriots Training Camp
CB Christian Gonzalez | DUD
Gonzalez was excellent early in camp, but he’s been inconsistent over the last few practices. That trend continued Friday when the second-year corner lost to Polk in 1-on-1s and gave up three catches in team drills, including a pair of “TDs.” Gonzalez isn’t playing poorly, but he also isn’t locking down receivers on a daily basis.
Drake Maye with a great throw to Ja’Lynn Polk against Christian Gonzalez
–#patriots #nfl #newenglandpatriots
Patriots Coverage Powered by @Gametime @PrizePicks pic.twitter.com/OfQxKNnELi— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) August 2, 2024
CB Shaun Wade | DUD
This probably isn’t fair, as Shaun Wade often was matched up with Douglas, likely because both players were in non-contact jerseys. It was a mismatch, and Wade didn’t stand a chance. Still, a bad practice is a bad practice, and Wade looked overmatched throughout Friday’s session.
Run Blocking | DUD
It improved later in practice, but overall, the offensive line struggled with run blocking. Half of the rushing attempts in the first 11-on-11 period (four total series) resulted in run-stuffs. The left side of the line appeared to have a tough time, especially the second unit.
That said, things improved in the second half, as Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson both found open lanes.