Patriots highlight cornerback Christian Gonzalez and offensive line shifts in Thursday's practice
During the Patriots' 11th training-camp session, cornerback Christian Gonzalez excelled against A.J. Brown, while sophomore offensive tackle Marcus Bryant earned a starting role as the team adjusted its lineups.
The New England Patriots increased the intensity of their 11th training-camp practice on Thursday, moving from a walkthrough to full-pad drills. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez emerged as the standout, winning most of his matchups against wide receiver A.J. Brown, including two 2-on-2 goal-line reps, though Brown did secure one reception on a well-thrown pass. A contested pass breakup in the end zone led to a verbal exchange that required teammates to intervene.
"He’s going to face corners like that who are going to yap at him and going to try to get in his head," Gonzalez said after practice. "And I’m going to face receivers like that who are strong and come right back at me. So it’s great work for the both of us."
On the offensive line, sophomore tackle Marcus Bryant took over as the starting left tackle after Will Campbell sat out with a brace, positioning himself as a contender for a roster spot. First-round rookie Caleb Lomu, a former Utah left tackle, entered the drill as a third-string left tackle and served as the second-string right tackle behind Morgan Moses, showing mixed results including a loss to rookie defensive end Gabe Jacas.
Rookie defensive end Jacas, a second-round pick, recorded his first defensive reps with the starters, displaying size, power and speed against second-string opponents. Cornerback Marcus Jones also made an impact, breaking up a pass intended for Kayshon Boutte and registering the first of three consecutive interceptions for the defense.
Other notes from the session include quarterback Drake Maye throwing two interceptions in a two-minute drill, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and rookie edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins performing well in one-on-one matchups, and veterans Kevin Byard and John Saunders Jr. each recording an interception. Safety Mike Brown received starter reps after previously playing with the backups. The Patriots will hold their 12th practice on Friday at 10:15 a.m. ET, with fans again permitted to attend.