FOXBORO - After a rain-soaked indoor session the day before, the Patriots were back outside Tuesday for their ninth practice of training camp, and the change in setting came with a sharper, more spirited workout on the grass fields. Fans were back in the stands, the team work picked up, and New England’s offense had plenty to show for it.
Head coach Mike Vrabel had already tipped off reporters that some players would be absent or limited as part of a load management plan, including fullback Reggie Gilliam and defensive tackle Christian Barmore. Barmore was still on the field, while offensive tackle Morgan Moses showed up late for team drills.
A few other familiar names were also spotted during the two-hour practice, among them wide receiver Cameron Dorner, tight end Jack Westover, offensive guard Caedan Wallace and cornerback Carlton Davis. Tight end C.J.
Dippre (PUP), edge rusher Harold Landry (PUP) and safety Brenden Schooler (NFI) remained sidelined.
Drake Maye didn’t exactly roll out of the gate. His first 11-on-11 series ended with a pass broken up by Elijah Ponder, a throwaway that looked like a spike and a sailed ball intended for A.J.
Brown. After that, though, he settled in and strung together seven straight completions on his way to a 12-for-17 day.
Tommy DeVito matched that number, finishing 12-for-17 of his own after opening practice by hitting his first seven throws. Behren Morton got five snaps in the opening period, completed three passes and had one tipped away by second-year defensive back Kobee Minor.
The ball was spread around in team drills, with 14 different players hauling in passes. It was one of those practices where a few players who haven’t filled up the stat sheet much this summer got their chances and made something happen, including Terrell Jennings, Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon and Mitch Van Vooren.
Still, the veterans at receiver stood out. Mack Hollins, A.J.
Brown and Kayshon Boutte all had productive days, and during 11s they combined for 13 catches. Brown continued to work only with the first unit, while Hollins and Boutte did enough to keep pressing for more snaps with the starters.
Ponder was one of the early tone-setters on defense. The second-year edge rusher got after the starting offensive line right away, forcing one of Maye’s early throws into the air and nearly into Robert Spillane’s hands. A few plays later, Ponder bent around the right side and collapsed the pocket in a way that would have looked a lot like a sack in live action.
The best connection of the day may have come late from DeVito to Hollins. Working with the second-team offense, the two hooked up on a deep ball down the right sideline for roughly 40 yards, with Hollins slipping past undrafted rookie cornerback Channing Canada to make the grab.
Morton also delivered a shot downfield, finding undrafted receiver Nick DeGennaro on the right sideline for another long gain. DeGennaro then cut back toward the middle of the field and picked up about 15 more yards before going down.
The practice ended with a two-minute drill for both the first- and second-string offenses, with 1:05 on the clock and both Maye and DeVito needing to drive the field. Each offense finished the job, and Andy Borregales converted both drives into field goals.
After practice, Namdi Obiazor had praise for rookie linebacker Khalil Jacobs, saying, "He's a great player. He's playing Mike (linebacker) so I'd say he's got a little bit more checks and responsibilities calling out the defense than I do playing Will (linebacker).
So I'd just say he's doing a great job right now. "
The Patriots are scheduled to return Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. for a non-padded practice that will be closed to the general public, followed by player availability after the 90-minute session.
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