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“It was one of those games that you just look back and feel like, ‘Man, we hurt ourselves,'” Drake Maye said. “It’s one of those things where [you] just get back to focusing on us and a new opponent. We’ve got to know how to not lose the game on ourselves before we go win it.”

Despite an excellent game plan, Josh McDaniels‘ offense took a big step back after a strong showing in Miami. Giveaways were the main culprit, but missed opportunities prevented what should’ve been a comfortable win.

On the other end of the spectrum, interim coordinator Zak Kuhr’s defense looks to build on an impressive performance. Red zone defense remains an area for improvement, but Aaron Rodgers was held to just 139 passing yards, and Jaylen Warren averaged 2.6 yards on 18 carries.

“I know what we can do, and I still feel like we haven’t played our best football,” Maye said. “That’s what’s promising ahead… You see glimpses of it, but that’s the challenging part of this league, and that’s what’s the fun part about it, of getting to that level and hoping to get to that level when the games matter, really matter, and trying to get a push to the postseason or things like that. So, that’s what we’re trying to build toward and just keep going at it every week.”

The Panthers enter Foxborough at 1-2 following a 30-0 blowout loss to the Falcons. Outside of two low red zone scores, it was a modest performance from Bryce Young and company, as the defense put the team on its back.  Carolina held Michael Penix Jr. under 180 passing yards and picked him off twice, returning one for a touchdown. That said, the Falcons also ran for 131 yards, and Carolina’s pass rush has been one of the worst in the league.

The Panthers may have momentum, but the Patriots have coaching and talent advantages in this matchup. The key will be staying out of their own way.

Protect the Football

Avoiding turnovers is always crucial, but it must be over-emphasized this week. The Patriots lost all four of their fumbles last week, and Maye was punished for just one of three turnover-worthy throws. That won’t fly against the Panthers’ ball-hawking secondary, which is led by Pro Bowl corner Jaycee Horn.

“He’s made some plays this year, and he’s one of those guys backside that is going to play into the boundary and make it tough,” Maye said. “He’s physical, he can play, he’s patient, he’s got good ball skills. So, he’s one of those guys that he’s going to make it tough. It’s something that you can’t eliminate that part of the field, but you’ve got to be careful with him. Then on the other side, No. 2 [Mike Jackson], he’s a good player as well.”

The Panthers rank top 5 in turnovers forced, thanks largely to their secondary

Carolina has a competitive group of corners who've each picked off a pass this season

Jaycee Horn nearly had his 2nd INT last week, and rookie Lathan Ransom forced a late fumble pic.twitter.com/IEWjZU0IXf

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 24, 2025

If Maye reins in the high misses and exploits downfield shots more consistently, the pass game could have a day attacking the middle of Carolina’s defense.

Christian Rozeboom ranks five-worst among linebackers in receiving yards and yards per reception allowed, and no safety has allowed more receptions than slot defender Tre’von Moehrig, who McDaniels is familiar with from their time with the Raiders.

The #Patriots have attacked zone box defenders with outside zone action in each game this season

Drake Maye and the offense have converted on scrambles, chunk gains off fake boots (one overturned by penalty), and leak concepts

Saw an uptick last week and could see more vs CAR pic.twitter.com/VN6ThX7x1v

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 26, 2025

That leaves Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, who combined for three fumbles against Pittsburgh after two clean games. Fumbles are never excusable, and head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters they’ll “practice the crap out of” ball security this week. Still, outside of Maye doing too much on his strip sack, last week’s gaffs weren’t solely on the ball-carriers.

Mike Onwenu missed blocks on both of Stevenson’s fumbles. Jared Wilson, an unblockable box count sharing responsibility, and excellent defensive efforts also shared responsibility. Mack Hollins didn’t get a hand on Jabrill Peppers when his former teammate made a great play to put his helmet on the ball.

“We also have to do a better job of protecting said person with the ball, whether that’s the quarterback, whether that’s the running back or the receiver,” Vrabel said. “We’re all responsible for the security of the football. It starts with the person who has it, and then it falls upon the people that are blocking. Again, we’ll continue to rep it. If we have to put two hands on the football, when we’re going through there, that’s what we’ll have to do.”

Many have fairly wondered if a change could be made to the backfield rotation. While Vrabel didn’t dismiss a potential shake-up, he made sure to emphasize Stevenson’s importane in the offense.

“Yeah, we’re going to need him,” Vrabel said. “We’re going to need everybody. He’s got talent, skillset. He’s a good protector, we trust him in protection. We’ll get through this. I think a lot of it is just the consistency and continuing to build confidence. But you have to go out there and do it. How I manage that from an accountability standpoint, I would say as of now, I don’t know what that will look like later on in the week as far as how we distribute the reps.”

TreVeyon Henderson is an exciting young back, but he is better as a rotational Swiss Army knife than in an every-down role. Stevenson is also one of the most well-rounded players at his position, and Gibson has looked explosive in limited touches. Until the problem persists, I don’t anticipate seismic change.

Bottom line: Take care of the ball when you’ve got it. When you don’t, protect the guy who does.

Don’t Let Derrick Brown Wreck the Game

The Patriots’ offensive line will have its chemistry and depth tested this week, as standout rookie Jared Wilson will likely miss Sunday’s game with an ankle/knee injury after getting rolled up on last week.

Wilson’s absence has thrust center/guard Ben Brown into a group still finding its stride. It helps that Brown, who spent time with the starting line in camp, is a solid protector, allowing zero pressures on 40 preseason snaps. However, Brown was inconsistent as a run blocker this summer, and the Patriots’ ground game is already a work in progress.

Things won’t be getting any easier this week with Pro Bowler Derrick Brown and a stout Panthers interior coming to town.

“This is a really talented player, and they have multiple guys at different levels that create some issues here,” McDaniels told reporters. “Derrick’s a very rugged guy up front. Powerful, strong, explosive. Can be disruptive in a running game, can be disruptive in pass protection. We’ll see him on both sides of the line of scrimmage, both sides of the ball. So it’s not just one person that’s going to see him. They’re going to move him, in terms of where his alignment is. So that’s a challenge.”

The #Patriots will IOL will face another big challenge in Derrick Brown (#95) after struggling vs Cam Heyward

The DT/odd DE plays with violence and has grown man strength to shed blockers. Brown also batted two passes vs Arizona, which has been an issue for Maye this season pic.twitter.com/4JrAoNns4w

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 24, 2025

Brown hasn’t racked up pressures this season, but he’s a powerful and instinctive player who must be avoided in the ground game. That will make attacking the edges a priority, in addition to capitalizing on an aggressive defense, and getting playmakers in space, which the Patriots showed shades of against the Steelers. 

The offense was inconsistent blocking outside zone and tosses last week, but Will Campbell had impressive reps in between some misses, which also reflects his work next to Brown this preseason.

Ben Brown at LG next to Will Campbell

Held up well in pass pro, but was pretty boom-or-bust as a run blocker pic.twitter.com/rr4JXXnE4e

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) August 17, 2025

On the bright side, Morgan Moses, Austin Hooper, and Mike Onwenu have caved in opposing fronts the past two weeks. And while Onwenu has struggled at times this season, he had solid reps on the backside of some zone runs.

If New England can spring some off-tackle runs to the right and get to the perimeter going left, McDaniels’ playbook should stay open to rain fire on Carolina’s second level.

Contain Tetairoa McMillan

The Patriots’ offensive line may be down a young starter, but the defense should see a key player return to the lineup this week.

Christian Gonzalez is set to make his season debut after suffering a hamstring injury early this summer. The All=Pro nearly came back last week, but Vrabel told reporters he held Gonzalez out in an effort to protect the player.

“It’s a violent game, can they protect themselves?” Vrabel said of his thought process. “Can they do their job to the standard that we have set for them and they’ve set for themselves? And can they make it worse? Those are the three things that I would probably use [to make those decisions].”

Given spot starter Alex Austin’s recent struggles, including a benching against the Steelers, Gonzalez’s return would be a much-needed upgrade for New England’s secondary.

The #Patriots got some tough breaks in coverage, but were up-and-down overall in nickel

+ Spillane INT + space tackle, Landry and Chaisson hits, Barmore hurry on a throwaway

– Austin replaced after negating a Williams strip sack, chunk screen gain, uncompetitive game-sealing TD pic.twitter.com/4A8Esbwi8p

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 23, 2025

His return would also be bad news for a depth-deprived Panthers receiving corps. Explosive slot receiver Jalen Coker is on injured reserve, Xavier Legette is battling a hamstring injury after a slow start, and rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders hasn’t practiced due to an ankle injury.

These absences will put more pressure on 8th overall pick, Tetairoa McMillan, whose 216 receiving yards are more than double the next closest Panther.

“He’s a big athlete, smooth, fluid mover, good at the catch point,” Vrabel said. “Body control for such a long player, very agile, loose. Upper body flexibility, can turn, locate the football. So, good catch radius. Seems like Bryce certainly trusts him already to be where he’s supposed to be.”

Tet McMillan is a big body who can move after the catch. The #Patriots must be wary of him over the middle, especially on his bread-and-butter digs

Most of McMillan's big plays have come while lined up at X, but he had two explosives from the slot vs ATL, including a pick fade pic.twitter.com/YlWzhX1F4p

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 24, 2025

Gonzalez might need to re-acclimate after missing so much time, but as talented as McMillan is, he lacks threatening speed and advanced route savvy. McMillan has also been limited by a calf injury that kept him out of Wednesday’s practice.

Gonzalez playing to his technique should leave Young with few options outside of 29-year-old Hunter Renfrow, who will be facing another hyper-athletic corner in Marcus Jones. Combine that with an explosive veteran pass rush, and New England’s defense should have another dominant performance.

The post Game Preview: How the Patriots Can Get Back on Track vs Panthers appeared first on CLNS Media.

New England fell to the Raiders 20-13 at home after a slow start and a lackluster second half. There are several issues to iron out, including an out-of-sync offense, inconsistent coverage, some shaky blitz calls, and untimely penalties. But with a division win on the line, Mike Vrabel’s squad must quickly learn from mistakes and turn the page.

“That’s what I feel, and that’s where our thought process is, is that we want to try to get off to a good start, and if we don’t, we can’t worry about it,” Vrabel said. “These are all things that we have to be able to overcome, whether you get off to a good start, you’re still going to have to finish strong, and if you don’t get off to a great start, you’ve got to go on to the next play. Just the understanding that that’s how this game goes, and we have to be able to work past it, and we have to continue to practice that way.”

The Miami heat and humidity are significant challenges that must be taken into account. That said, the Dolphins look vulnerable after a 33-8 blowout loss in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Tua Tagovailoa’s four turnover-worthy plays were tied for the most in Week 1, including two picks and a fumble on one of his three sacks taken. Stars Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were held under 50 yards each, with the longest of their catches going for 21 yards. Right guard James Daniel and right tackle Austin Jackson are also expected to miss Sunday’s game, which is music to the ears of NFL sack leader Harold Landry.

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones went 22-29 for 272 yards and three total scores against Miami, and Indianapolis ran for 156 yards on 40 carries. Edge rusher Bradley Chubb managed a sack, but it was one of just two times Jones was hit all game.

This week should be a prime bounce back opportunity for the Patriots, but they must make critical improvements to avoid another disappointing defeat. Here are my three keys to New England securing a rare win in Hard Rock Stadium.

Contain Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle

The Patriots will be down All-Pro Christian Gonzalez for a second straight week, a significant loss given his past dominance against the Dolphins’ speedsters. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will also miss Sunday’s game, thus elevating inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who filled in when needed this offseason.

Whomever is will be tasked with correcting Week 1’s worst pass defense. New England’s coverage gave up a league-high nine explosives to underrated veteran Geno Smith, the most in the NFL.

The Dolphins’ receivers may have been quiet in the opener, but they’re lethal when maximized in Mike McDaniels’ scheme.

“I mean, Tua does a fantastic job of knowing where he wants to go with the ball,” Vrabel said.”Quick delivery, he’s extremely accurate. Then the speed with [Jaylen] Waddle, Tyreek and the whole team. Then again, they have a fullback that has versatility and can play on the inner line of scrimmage, motions. Usually every big play, he’s kind of in the run game, he’s somewhere near it.”

The Patriots just blitzed at an unheard of rate last week for a Vrabel team, with Hawkins’ touchdown allowed and Davis’ 3rd down blitz being poor calls that put players in bad spots. But outside of those gaffs, New England’s blitzes were a big positive for the defense.

Mike Vrabel says blitzing is about timing and being in the right spot, adding the defense was effective when those things aligned but noting you "can't live in a blitz world"

Also said there were positives from 4-man rushes, but spatial awareness and coordination can improve https://t.co/daXS2dQtfn

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 8, 2025

“Well, we’re certainly going to have to make them earn it, and we’re going to have to find ways to get the drive stopped,” Vrabel said. You either have to do what the Colts did, which was turn it over, or you’re going to have to make a play along the way and make them earn it. Pick and choose your spots to try to be aggressive.”

Current-top corner Carlton Davis tipped a pass to Jaylinn Hawkins last week, the highlight of a positive performance than ended on a downer. Davis, undersized dynamo Marcus Jones, and the versatile Alex Austin should put up a good fight in man coverage. But McDaniels’ specialty is sneaking Hill and Waddle behind linebackers, and Tagovailoa, while volatile, has a rare gift for manipulating defenders.

If the Patriots lean into more Quarters to cap in-breaking routes while timing up blitzes well against the Dolphins’ new-look right side, Landry, Milton Williams, and the rest of New England’s energized line could dominate on the road.

Establish the Run

The Patriots abandoned the run after an uninspiring first half last week. Rhamondre Stevenson managed just 15 yards on seven carries, averaging -0.3 yards before contact. TreVeyon Henderson had 5.4 yards per carry on five runs, but that included a 14-yard trick play in short yardage.

The #Patriots run game struggled with unblocked 2nd-level defenders and twisting IDL vs Vegas, often due to complications from blitzes/stunts

Onwenu, who Elandon Roberts met in the hole on a pull, was also beaten inside on 3rd & 1, and Hollins lost inside on a tough crack block pic.twitter.com/K1emWw8qXu

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 8, 2025

The result was Drake Maye dropping back 53 times and throwing 46, both the most in the league. That isn’t a sustainable formula, and the team knows it.

“The bottom line is we have to run the ball better and we have to run it more efficiently,” Vrabel said. “Because then I think that all opens up some more of the stuff that we’re doing, can do and want to be able to do so that it’s not just a drop-back passing game.”

Lapses come with starting two rookies on one side, though both turned in net positive performances, but veterans struggled against Las Vegas’ post-snap movement. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels acknowledged these issues while speaking to media, noting how difficult they can be to simulate outside of live action.

Even at their best, the Patriots aren’t built to be a consistent dropback passing team, they’re built to pound the rock. There were reasons for optimism, particularly combo blocks between Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, but they must climb effectively and prevent backdoor penetration to exploit what was a porous Dolphins front.

Establish Rhythm in the Pass Game

Consistency eluded the Patriots’ aerial attack late this summer, and that seemingly carried over to the opener.

Maye went 30-46 for just 287 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, with most of the these issues stemming from poor decision-making early and erratic accuracy throughout. Maye also went 1-3 in scoring territory, with lowlights including a high throw to a wide open DeMario Douglas, a batted pass, and a delay of game penalty.

Drake Maye struggled with inaccuracy and shaky decisions in the #Patriots opener, but he made several encouraging throws

Highlights included a dime on his TD, well-thrown digs to Kayshon Boutte, back shoulders to Boutte and Hunter Henry, and late conversions where he took hits pic.twitter.com/O9pWASNVMC

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 8, 2025

“Find a way to start faster. That’s kind of a theme for the team, start faster,” Maye told reporters. “From there, just some throws I’d like to have back. I feel like I say that every game, but particularly ones where I feel like I had guys open. Down in the red zone, be better down in the red zone where it’s decision making on my part, accuracy or just in general. We’ve got to score touchdowns when we’re down in the red zone.”

Maye was largely on-target when his mechanics were sound, but that wasn’t always a given against the Raiders. The quarterback explained he rushed to deliver the ball at times, but that course-correcting will come down to falling back on what he learned this offseason.

“I think throughout training camp and over the summer, trying to get a grip on the offense, get a grip on the timing and the routes and how it ties up with my feet,” Maye said. “I think I was accurate and made some throws when my feet timed up with the routes and with the concept. So, I’ve just got to stay on my stuff throughout the week of not letting little things like that go to waste because I feel like when I’ve got a good base, turn my shoulder at it and let it rip, I’ve been on target. So, that’s just the main thing, and I feel good throwing it, so that’s what matters.”

Pass protection also dwindled due to a combination of poor execution, game flow, and clever adjustments, like moving Maxx Crosby to attack the Patriots’ rookies.

Most hits on Drake Maye were caused by failed twist pickups on the right side of the OL and lapses from Jared Wilson, who struggled vs Adam Butler and allowed a free hit

Will Campbell seemed to get his outside arm pinned inside on the strip sack pic.twitter.com/UKyECca93U

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 8, 2025

The Dolphins’ pass rush may have been quiet last week, but sleeping on their defensive front would be a mistake, particularly their edge rushers. If Maye can settle into the game more quickly, throw on time, and take what the defense gives him, he could have a career day against a pass defense that struggled defending short and deep.

The post Game Preview: How Patriots Can Turn the Tide in Week 2 vs Dolphins appeared first on CLNS Media.

EPISODE TIMELINE
00:00 – Jabrill Peppers signs
2:35 – Patriots’ defensive issues
5:06 – Vrabel’s identity failure
7:43 – Drake Maye’s performance
16:21 – Running game
20:01 – Will Campbell’s performance
22:56 – Disappointing run game
30:44 – Offensive creativity
32:15 – Offensive execution
39:19 – Defensive play calling
41:56 – Secondary performance review
43:34 – Defensive line analysis
46:52 – Linebackers evaluation

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Here’s a look at attendance, Mike Vrabel’s most notable soundbites from his pre-practice press conference, and my thoughts on today’s Red Zone-heavy session.

Attendance

Tweet of the Day

Drake Maye to rookie Kyle Williams touchdown in 1 on 1’s.
–@CLNSMedia #Patriots #NFL pic.twitter.com/CNgtKlHJ6Y

— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) August 14, 2025

Mike Vrabel’s Top Quotes of Note

On his impression of the first joint practice: “These practices are like a game – we’ve said that. There’s ups and downs. We hit some plays. They hit some plays. There’s an intermission, and again, there’s a break with special teams and then you – usually a two-minute situation at the end. So, we were able to make a play at the two-minute situation and kind of the same thing defensively. They hit some plays. We were able to have some good plays, and again, just looking for some consistency. And I think what they do defensively is a great challenge for us. To come up here without any real practice or any look and be able to have some good plays, and again, some plays that we have to improve on, but I think it’s a good start.”

On Drake Maye’s performance in the first joint practice: “I thought he did well. It’s easy to go into blender when you’re seeing a bunch of this stuff and kind of scrambling and turning one less than favorable play into a real shit storm. So, I didn’t see that. I thought he was able to process. And we didn’t execute all the time, but I didn’t see any panic from him. I thought he was able to communicate and get the things that he wanted and then hit some plays because of it. When we blocked him, we were able to make some plays and then we’ll just have to try to see what happens today and continue to go from there.”

On how Will Campbell fared against Jonathan Greenard: “Had some good plays and had some plays where he got beat inside. These are going to happen to young offensive linemen, so we’re not going to sit and evaluate every practice. I’ll let you guys do that, and we’ll go from there and just keep trying to improve.”

On if losing inside has been a repeat problem for Will Campbell: “Well, it’s come up with all of them. I don’t think that that’s just to single him out. We have to be firm in the middle and we have to stay inside-out and the quarterback has to transfer up into the pocket. So, those are all things that have to go hand-in-hand. We’ve talked about, it’s hard to block edge rushers if you give them a three-way go, which is inside over the top of you or around the edge, and then we have to force them around the edge and the quarterback has to transfer up into the pocket, and in order to do that, you have to be firm in the middle of the pocket. So, all those things have to come together. And when they do, it looks pretty good. And then when there’s breakdowns in those, or we’re not helping the guy next to us in pass rush games, or we don’t get open fast enough, there’s one thing after another.”

On WR coach Todd Downing saying you can’t confuse results with process: I don’t think that it has. I thought that, again, there’s days where the ball doesn’t find you. There’s one football. There’s five eligible receivers. The quarterback decides where he wants to go with the ball. No different than Kyle Williams. Kyle Williams is working extremely hard. Ball hasn’t really found him. He’s been open. There’s been separation. I’m not sure which day Todd said that, but the other day in the red zone, I thought that Stefon factored and looked good and keeps getting better, so I don’t think that that’s going to be always the case, right? As far as there’s a – Terrell mentioned this. Terrell Williams said this one time, ‘you can make the play without making a tackle, right?’ And that was something that you have to teach defensive linemen, is when they start trying to make a bunch of tackles, maybe they start hurting some of the people behind them and the fits and everything else because they’re trying to make a tackle, where there’s ways to do their job and really contribute to the defense without ever getting a stat. And those plays will come, just make the ones that you’re supposed to make. And I really equate that to, really, every position. But you asked about receiver, and then again, everybody wants to catch the ball, and everybody wants to score touchdowns, and those will come, and that’ll happen, and maybe on that particular day in which Todd said that, there wasn’t a ton of production from that practice day. I’m not really sure when he said that, but there’s other ways to be successful and do your job and help us win. That’s the most important thing.

On what Craig Woodson has shown: “He keeps, I think, getting better. I think he keeps learning, each day, some of the different techniques that maybe he didn’t use as much at Cal. I’ve seen him tackle. I think the special teams stuff was good. I think throwing himself in there into the fire on some of the special teams stuff was good to see. So, continue to see where he’s at just from his physicality and kind of go from there.”

On potentially moving Kyle Dugger to linebacker: “Yeah, I mean, we would consider anything to try to help the football team and help the player. That’s everything we want to try to do, is help every player earn a role and build a football team.”

Drake Maye Impresses Despite Dominant Day for Vikings

The Vikings decisively beat the Patriots during today’s joint practice.

Drake Maye stood out with one of his best performances this summer, but his supporting cast and defense struggled against Minnesota. The quarterback didn’t have any egregious misses or throws into bad looks, and the offense was humming when he had time and open targets. During 7-on-7s in the red zone, his most notable throws included finding Stefon Diggs in the back of the end one on his second read, hitting DeMario Douglas over the middle with three defenders in the area, and throwing away from coverage on a diving Kayshon Boutte grab near the sideline.

Things got rocky during red zone 11-on-11s, where Maye was under consistent pressure and had seemingly minimal options. Maye’s first three completions were short throws to Antonio Gibson and a screen to Douglas, and he scrambled on four of six plays midway through the period. Maye got back on track late with three scores to his tight ends, finding Hunter Henry wide open in the flat, hitting Henry on an 0ff-platform throw against an unblocked Jonathan Allen, and completing a tight-window throw over the middle to Austin Hooper. The quarterback also scrambled for a touchdown on his final series. Still, the pressure felt constant and Maye likely would’ve been sacked once by Allen and twice by Jonathan Greenard on wins against Will Campbell.

The offense’s performance continued to decline during full-field team drills. Douglas got wide open over the middle of the field on one rep, but turned upfield too quickly and dropped it. Maye also had to scramble when no one uncovered and was sacked on another Greenard win over Campbell.

The offense technically ended on a high note during an end-of-half situation. Mack Hollins had at least one downfield grab on a dig (also had an deep sideline target questionably ruled incomplete), and Kayshon Boutte boxed out two defenders on a Hail Mary. However, the offensive line struggled mightily. Morgan Moses gave up two would-be sacks, first on an inside rush from Allen, then around the edge against Dallas Turner, and Campbell was flagged for a false start.

The defense didn’t fare much better, with J.J. McCarthy having a huge bounce back day after a rough Wednesday.

The #Patriots defense is getting shredded today.

J.J. McCarthy is 14/16 with 5 TDs and 2 sacks in 11-on-11 periods covering the tight red zone and full-field drills. https://t.co/VIOMT3QdTa

— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) August 14, 2025

While I was focused on the offense for most of practice, I was able to watch the defense during their end-of-half period. McCarthy got the Vikings in Patriots territory on two scrambles, including a 3rd down conversion, then scored on a slant to Jordan Addison with Marcus Jones contesting.

As Josh McDaniels preaches, you either win a rep or you learn from it. In today’s case, the Patriots has a lot of learning to do on both sides of the ball. Mike Vrabel‘s squad must be more competitive in Saturday’s matchup to quell concerns about talent at certain spots, particularly receiver, offensive line, and defensive back.

Notebook

• Though they lost momentum as practice went on, the Patriots’ wide receivers dominated in the red zone during 1-on-1s and 2-on-2s. Stefon Diggs and Efton Chism were constantly open and caught multiple scores. Kyle Williams had a drop after getting open on a dig, but scored and showed some physicality on two out-breakers. DeMario Douglas had two inaccurate targets (Vrabel coached him to come back to the ball on a pass that was thrown short), but he caught a pass in the corner of the end zone with two defenders in the area. Kayshon Boutte scored on fade and slant targets.
• Javon Baker was open every time the ball came his way and didn’t have a drop, though Vrabel advised him to dance less after a 1-on-1 red zone score. His only glaring blemish was slipping on a late team red zone snap.
• Joshua Dobbs had an excellent practice after a poor performance on Wednesday. He was on-time and put the ball on his receivers consistently, highlighted by a middle-field completion to Williams against tight coverage and a honey-hole shot to Mack Hollins. Dobbs also found an open Jack Westover to score during his end-of-half possession.
• Jeremiah Webb had two impressive grabs in early red zone work, going up for a contested catch on a fade during 1-on-1s and getting open for a corner completion during 2-on-2s. I’ve been impressed by Webb’s toughness and burst.
• Elijah Ponder returned to practice after getting banged up against the Commanders.

The post Patriots Training Camp 16: Drake Maye Impresses Despite Dominant Day for Vikings appeared first on CLNS Media.

Despite an egregious turnover early, New England’s discipline and toughness looked lightyears ahead of where it was last season. The team finished with just two penalties, went 5-6 in the Red Zone offensively, and kicked off an outstanding night on special teams with a score on the game’s first play.

Here’s my recap of the Patriots’ impressive preseason opener.

Attendance

Did Not Play: DT Christian Barmore, WR Kendrick Bourne, ED K’Lavon Chaisson, CB Carlton Davis, WR Stefon Diggs, CB Christian Gonzalez, ED Harold Landry, OT Vederian Lowe, RT Morgan Moses, G Sidy Sow, LB Jahlani Tavai, G Caedan Wallace

Injuries: Ja’Lynn Polk (collarbone/shoulder)

Mike Vrabel’s Top Quotes of Note

On Drake Maye’s lost fumble: “That’s a bad decision. I think we’re going to need better from him. I think he knows that. That’s obvious. It wasn’t there. We just have to be able to find a way to get rid of the football or take a sack and punt and play defense. But to the defense’s credit, they forced a field goal I think that was missed maybe. It was a sudden-change opportunity.”

On finishing the game with just two penalties for 15 yards: “Well, we had a couple that were really offsetting. We still fouled. It wasn’t like we were really, really clean. I thought operationally we were pretty good. Felt like everybody was on the same page, substitution, getting in and out of the huddle. [The Commanders] don’t huddle. They sub. Sometimes they stand over it, sometimes they don’t. I felt like defensively that was a good challenge for us to be able to play a game like that with a team that really doesn’t want to huddle. But when you can have that many — we had a few kickoff returns and did not have any penalties there. We had the one that was offsetting on the punt. Those are critical because there’s so much field position that gets changed when you have penalties on punt returns and kickoff returns. It’s a good start. It’s a good start for everything that we were talking about. Give us some more to coach. We have to tackle better. We have to throw the football better going forward. I thought this was a good place to start.”

On why the pass game needs to be better: ” I think the way that the game kind of unfolded with the kickoff, going for a touchdown. Defensive turnover. I felt like we had some opportunities. Maybe the ball was batted. I thought we had C.J. [Dippre] for a touchdown there. He was open. Then just the protection, I guess, on the third down. Wasn’t like we had a whole lot of opportunities early. We were able to kind of convert and score running the football. Drake scrambled, right? Again, I’m all for him using his ability to run when it’s there. You saw him slide. You saw him be able to run in the end zone. Maybe just kind of how the game unfolded early. We hit some passes late. I think Ben settled down. I was excited to see him settle down, hit some passes. John Jiles who busts his tail to block and play special teams, had a huge catch there. Felt everybody played, which I’m excited for. We talked about there were some players that didn’t get to play or practice on Wednesday, they were going to get an opportunity on Friday night. I was happy to see them take advantage of it and proud that they could be excited about it.”

On Javon Baker’s special teams contributions: “Yeah, I think that’s fantastic. When you have players, especially receivers, that can create a role, that can help you, be big, physical, everything that we see out of Javon as a receiver, when they can embrace that as special teams players, guys that are big and physical and fast and willing, that translates to special teams. Excited. Just happy for Javon just being able to go out there and contribute. When you do those things, your teammates get excited. Hopefully his confidence continues to grow.”

Thanks to Patriots PR for these transcriptions

Tweet of the Day

Tom Brady REACTS to his statue unveiling.
–@CLNSMedia #Patriots #NFL pic.twitter.com/4tkN7HW4Nr

— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) August 8, 2025

Rookies Flash in Dominant Win Over Commanders

The Patriots’ rookie class has been one of the most heralded in the league, and they lived up to the hype against the Commanders. There were highs and lows, as with any rookie’s debut, but several players flashed from throughout the game.

TreVeyon Henderson started his career and the preseason with a bang, taking the game’s opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown.

THE FIRST TIME HE TOUCHED THE BALL IN THE NFL!!!!@TreVeyonH4 | @NFL

: WBZ pic.twitter.com/NcT2a635nx

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 8, 2025

“I think TreVeyon read it out and hit the hole and everybody else blocked and finished and did all those good things,” Mike Vrabel said after the game. “It’s a step in the right direction. I think it’s exciting. We talk about how critical a phase of a game is going to be, to be able to come out here and work on it.”

Drake Maye called Henderson a lightning bolt during his postgame presser, but Henderson showed he can also bring the thunder. His best touch came on a checkdown-turned-explosive where he shook a defender before lowering the boom on a safety. Rhamondre Stevenson may be RB1 in New England’s backfield, but Henderson is primed for a featured role in Josh McDaniels‘ offense.

Starting linemen Will Campbell and Jared Wilson only glaring lapse on the night was getting caught on different levels against a twist. This allowed the penetration that led to Maye’s fumble, but Vrabel didn’t sound overly concerned.

“I think there was a game, maybe a pass-rush game, that looked like to me, and those are some things that we’ll continue to work hard on,” Vrabel told reporters. “We were able to pick ’em up in the practice. They ran a few of ’em over there against us in practice. We just have to be able to carry that execution into the game.”

It was an otherwise promising night for Campbell, Wilson, and seventh-rounder Marcus Bryant. They were quiet in pass pro and played through the whistle in the run game.

Watch Will Campbell on this play.

pic.twitter.com/2Y9WzFFTDL

— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) August 8, 2025

“I certainly did see their play demeanor kind of stand out,” Vrabel said. “I think that’s a good place to start, is with that. Being downfield, finishing through the whistle and everything, we embrace that here.”

Undrafted rookies Efton Chism and Ben Wooldridge maintained that momentum once the backups took over.

Chism ended the day with six catches for 50 yards on eight targets, but Joshua Dobbs missed him downfield twice. The receiver product also showed toughness on a contested grab, scored after slipping a tackle on 4th down, and showed great vision and physicality to convert a 1st & 20.

.@EftonChism making it work on 4th down @Bwool8 | #NEPats

: WBZ pic.twitter.com/2MlgeEMO5v

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2025

“I think his play strength stood out to me from the sideline,” Vrabel said of Chism. “I think it’s the way he blocks, his ability to catch the ball in traffic. The ball was basically tipped or bobbled coming out of Ben’s hand. Kind of ran through a tackle and ran through contact. We threw him a screen. So those are all positive things. I think his play strength to me is what stood out.”

“Yeah, he’s a baller,” Maye said. “I mean, he loves coming up and asking me questions about routes. He loves talking football. He’s just a football player. You saw him tonight making plays. Glad he got in the end zone. Almost got in the end zone again on the screen. Got chased down. Blocking hard, doing all the right things. That’s what we’re preaching in the offensive room: keep doing things the right way, keep showing up, you’re going be rewarded.”

If Chism continues to be productive this preseason, he’ll make himself an impossible cut.

Wooldridge’s performance could make the spot behind Maye a real competition. Dobbs’ sporadic accuracy didn’t help his case, but Wooldridge went an impressive 9/12 for 132 yards and a touchdown while showing a veteran’s confidence. His best throws included stepping up in the pocket on Chism’s score, hitting John Jiles in-stride on over routes, and putting Jeremiah Webb in position for a big play.

#Patriots QB3(?) Ben Wooldridge caught my attention with his poise, footwork, and accuracy

1. Confidently steps up and into the throw on 4th down, then connects with Efton Chism despite his arm being hit as he throws

2. Two tight hitches off PA and hits John Jiles in stride on… pic.twitter.com/Haf7WmA71z

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) August 9, 2025

The quarterback might’ve had a second touchdown if not for a batted pass that prevented a walk-in C.J. Dippre score. Don’t sleep on the Patriots keeping three quarterbacks with Wooldridge as a developmental trade chip and Dobbs continuing to mentor the room.

Lan Larison continued a theme of explosive violence upon taking over at running back. He averaged five yards on seven carries, scored on one of the offense’s several toss plays, and caught both balls thrown his way. His status will be one to monitor after walking around the locker room in a boot.

Slot corner Jordan Polk had the top play among defensive rookies, capitalizing of a bobbled ball for an interception and solid return to set up a touchdown.

Tip drill & Jordan Polk picks it!

: WBZ pic.twitter.com/oln24unqCG

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2025

Craig Woodson missed a potential tackle for loss in run defense, but registered a quarterback hit and three tackles on kickoff.

Edge rusher Elijah Ponder didn’t register a stat on defense, but he got pressure at times and was pulled for veterans Anfernee Jennings and Truman Jones, a positive sign for his roster security. Jahvaree Ritzie also closed the game with a sack.

After several years of largely uninspiring freshman classes for the Patriots, it looks like EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf and his staff may have knocked it out of the park this offseason.

Notebook

• The passing game was shaky, but Drake Maye’s mobility continues to be a difference-maker. Maye converted on 2nd & 10 before sliding to avoid contact, then ran in for a Red Zone score a few plays later.
• D.J. James showed great situation awareness and route recognition on his 3rd down interception. He’s earned himself a real shot at the roster by making the most of opportunities with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis sidelined.
• Anfernee Jennings playing through the 4th quarter likely means he’s on the outside looking in. Jennings is an elite run defender, but his lack of pass rush upside makes him an odd fit for an attacking 4-3 defense.
• Both Andres Borregales and Parker Romo went 3-3 on extra points and 1-1 on field goals. This competition has been tight all summer.
• Javon Baker had tackles on both the kickoff and punt teams, serving as a gunner in place of Marcellas Dial. Excelling in the game’s third phase could be just what Baker needs to lock up a roster spot, as he’s battled inconsistency on offense all summer. Tonight, he jumped early on an end zone fade target, dropped a tough-but-catchable downfield target, and may have missed a block on the play where Ja’Lynn Polk appeared to re-injure his shoulder.
• Tight end Jack Westover flashed at fullback, a spot held by Brock Lampe before the undrafted rookie was placed on IR.
• John Jiles might not make the team, but his size, physicality, and effort make him a prime practice squad candidate who could be elevated in emergency situations.
• Garrett Bradbury and Ben Brown rotated drives at center, and Bradbury played a series with Joshua Dobbs at quarterback. Looks like there’s a real competition in the middle.

The post Patriots Postgame: Rookies Flash in Dominant Win Over Commanders appeared first on CLNS Media.