'That gives us confidence'
The New England Patriots returned to work on Wednesday with their first training camp practice.
The crowd was certainly entertained when rookie quarterback Drake Maye connected with Jalen Reagor on a highlight-reel play down the sideline.
Not only were the Patriots fans thrilled to see the reception, but running back Rhamondre Stevenson weighed in on his teammates’ fascinating grab.
“It gives us excitement,” Stevenson told reporters, per team-provided video. “It gives us excitement. (Reagor) made a one-hand grab and, I think, another long ball he caught. That gives us confidence and first downs. Great throw. Perfect throw on the money.”
Steveson, Reagor and the rest of the Patriots offense are working toward a new chapter for the franchise.
“It just comes with chemistry and reps and this is the time to do it in training camp,” Stevenson said. “The (offensive) line, running backs, quarterbacks working together to get that timing down.”
New England is looking to bounce back from last year’s abysmal 4-13 season.
After parting ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots hired Jerod Mayo to lead New England into the new era. After bringing in a new coach and offensive coordinator (Alex Van Pelt), the Patriots shipped quarterback Mac Jones off to Jacksonville and signed veteran arm Jacoby Brissett to be a leader in the locker room as well as on the field and help develop Maye.
Brissett led the quarterbacks in reps on the first day of camp and appears to be the No. 1 quarterback in New England until Maye is ready to take over.