Patriots and Colts trade blows in joint practice as quarterbacks duel and defenses adjust
In a competitive joint practice at Foxboro, New England quarterback Drake Maye outperformed Colts' Daniel Jones before throwing an interception, while the Patriots' defense showed mixed results but highlighted emerging players.
New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts held a joint practice on Tuesday at Foxboro, with the teams matching up in a series of 11-on-11 drills that resembled a close game. Quarterback Drake Maye led the Patriots’ offense, completing 15 of 23 passes and out-producing Colts starter Daniel Jones for most of the session. Maye’s drive ended with a 30-yard interception, after which Jones responded with a touchdown pass on the final play of his own drill.
The Patriots’ reserves answered the Colts’ late score, as tight end Tommy DeVito connected on a deep pass to Mack Hollins for a potential walk-off touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion to rookie tight end Eli Raridon. Reserve safety John Saunders Jr. capped the practice by intercepting backup Colts quarterback Riley Leonard.
Defensively, New England struggled early, allowing 11 straight completions after an initial stretch where Leonard completed eight of eight passes. The Patriots were missing their top three cornerbacks, but backup defensive backs Dell Pettus and Marcellas Dial Jr. made notable plays, with Pettus breaking up a pass, recording two run stuffs and pressuring Leonard, while Dial logged two pass breakups.
The practice saw several absences, including cornerback Christian Gonzalez and safety Mike Brown, while defensive end Christian Barmore and cornerback Charles Woods returned only for early periods. Linebacker Christian Elliss left early with a lower-leg issue.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson continued to lead the Patriots’ backfield, scoring a touchdown catch in a red-zone drill. Wide receiver A.J. Brown was the most targeted Patriots receiver, while rookie tight end Eli Raridon recorded four catches on four targets.
On the Colts side, All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor rushed effectively against a Patriots front that was without Barmore. Daniel Jones completed 15 of 22 passes overall, including a touchdown on his final drive.
Special teams work included kicker Andy Borregales making five of seven field-goal attempts, missing two from 50 yards. Former Patriots Devin McCourty and Stephen Gostkowski attended the session.
The Patriots will conduct a closed walkthrough on Wednesday and plan to open the next public practice to fans on Aug. 19 at 10:15 a.m., followed by a joint session with the Philadelphia Eagles.