Patriots increase intensity in fourth training camp practice
New England's fourth camp session featured a deep touchdown by wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and notable contributions from quarterback Drake Maye, while a low snap caused a missed field goal.
The New England Patriots raised the tempo during their fourth training-camp practice on Tuesday, extending the two-hour session at Gillette Stadium. The drill was the most competitive of the camp so far, according to team reports.
Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte stood out, catching a 40-plus-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drake Maye on a go route and adding several other receptions, including a mid-range catch in 7-on-7 drills and two targets from backup Tommy DeVito.
Maye showed improvement after a slower start, finding Boutte for the long score and completing long throws to tight end Hunter Henry and running back Rhamondde Stevenson. His connection with rookie wide receiver A.J. Brown remains a work in progress.
Other receivers saw limited action; Romeo Doubs, an offseason addition, was targeted only once, while the tight-end pair of Henry and Eli Raridon each recorded multiple catches during team drills.
On defense, second-year edge rusher Elijah Ponder recorded a near-sack and drew a holding penalty, providing a positive sign for a unit missing veteran Harold Landry and rookie Gabe Jacas.
Long snapper Julian Ashby delivered a low snap on a field-goal attempt by kicker Andy Borregales, resulting in a missed 45-yard kick, the only miss in Borregales’ six attempts.
The Patriots will have an off-day on Wednesday before resuming practice on Thursday, with gates opening at 9:15 p.m. ET and drills beginning about an hour later.