Patriots' third practice highlights new wide receivers and one-minute drill
In their third consecutive training session, New England added full pads and saw recent wide-receiver acquisitions perform well, while quarterback Drake Maye led a timed one-minute drive.
New England Patriots returned to full-pad practice for a 90-minute session on Monday, focusing on full-field work after a walkthrough the previous day. The weather was cloudy with temperatures in the low 70s.
Several players were absent, including cornerback Christian Gonzalez and wide receivers Kobe Prentice, Kyle Dixon and others. OLB Jesse Luketa left early with a trainer, and defensive lineman Christian Barmore participated in a limited capacity.
Wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs stood out. Brown caught a long pass from quarterback Drake Maye that resulted in a 70-plus-yard touchdown, and later contributed to a successful end-of-game drive. Doubs recorded four receptions on routes that emphasized timing with Maye, showing growing chemistry.
Coach Mike Vrabel organized a series of one-on-one matchups across the field, a format that defensive tackle Cory Durden said he had never seen in his NFL career. Highlights included Kyle Williams beating Karon Prunty and Eli Raridon outpacing Namdi Obiazor.
The practice concluded with a one-minute drill. Maye started at the 20-yard line, completing passes to Brown, Doubs, DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte before a swing pass to Rhamondre Stevenson set up a field-goal attempt. Andy Borregales converted a 40-yard kick, ending the session.
Borregales, working on narrower goalposts, made three of five attempts, including a 50-yard make. After missing three field goals in the preseason opener, he is now 10-of-12 in two practices with the slimmer posts.
Other notes: Efton Chism III saw first-team offensive snaps and caught two passes; Hassan Haskins received his first carries of the day; rookie Caleb Lomu worked at both tackle positions; backup offensive linemen Jeremiah Pharms, Leonard Taylor and Eric Gregory were on the field at times.
The Patriots will hold a walkthrough on Tuesday, followed by joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday and Thursday.