Patriots hold second padded practice, Drake Maye excels in red zone
The New England Patriots completed their second full-pad training session, with quarterback Drake Maye throwing multiple touchdowns while the team worked primarily in the red zone.
The New England Patriots conducted their second padded practice on Friday, focusing on red-zone scenarios. Quarterback Drake Maye completed 19 of 21 passes across 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, delivering touchdowns to Eli Raridon, Romeo Doubs, Hunter Henry, Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas. He recorded only two incompletions, both classified as throwaways, and one was intercepted by Christian Gonzalez.
The secondary saw the return of cornerback Brandon Crossley after missing the previous day, while Carlton Davis remained out. New defensive lineman Christian Barmore was a new absentee, and veteran linemen Morgan Moses and Alijah Vera-Tucker participated in a limited capacity.
Offensive line play was challenged by blitzes from the defense, with Craig Woodson and Kevin Byard applying pressure. The Patriots' ground game also faced constraints, partly due to the limited availability of Moses and Vera-Tucker.
A notable play featured Maye connecting with wide receiver A.J. Brown on a 40-yard pass down the left sideline, followed by two short touchdown receptions in the red zone. Other receivers saw limited action; Romeo Doubs caught a touchdown in the 7-on-7 drill, while DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams each recorded catches in full-team work.
Kick return drills involved multiple players, including Kyle Williams, Lan Larison, Efton Chism III, Kobe Prentice, Jam Miller, Myles Montgomery and Cameron Dorner. Williams opened the session with a strong return, and Chism broke a long return for the unit.
No injuries were reported during the practice.