As the New England Patriots wrapped up their training camp in 2024, the performance of their offensive line was a major concern during the joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite offseason additions, the offensive line struggled to protect quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye. The defensive pressure from the Eagles disrupted the quarterback’s rhythm, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the Patriots’ tackle depth chart.
In addition to the offensive line struggles, the quarterbacks faced challenges during the practice. Maye showed promise with accurate passes, completing 12 of 18 attempts, including a standout throw to Javon Baker. On the other hand, Brissett, who is expected to start in Week 1, faced pressure and threw two interceptions, one of which was a result of a deflection off a receiver’s chest.
Rookies Javon Baker and Ja’Lynn Polk impressed with their performances, showcasing their skills in catching deep passes and making plays in one-on-one drills. Defensively, Christian Gonzalez held his own against the Eagles’ top receivers, earning praise from A.J. Brown for his performance.
The joint practice also witnessed a standout moment from Patriots pass rusher Matt Judon, who forced a fumble during a competitive team drill. A minor scuffle between Patriots’ Josh Uche and Eagles’ E.J. Jenkins added a competitive edge to the practice but was quickly resolved without any ejections.
However, the absence of tight end Hunter Henry raised concerns as he missed his second consecutive day of practice. Coach Jerod Mayo expressed optimism about Henry’s return, indicating that the absence may not be prolonged.
Overall, the joint practice between the Patriots and Eagles provided valuable insights into the team’s strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for the upcoming season. Despite challenges faced by the offensive line and quarterbacks, promising performances from rookies and defensive players offer a glimpse of potential success for the Patriots in the future. As the regular season approaches, addressing areas of improvement will be crucial for the team’s success on the field.