Patriots Training Camp Observations: Offense Continues To Make Strides

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots offense arguably had their best day of training camp Friday.

It’s been tough to judge New England’s quarterbacks throughout practice, especially on days when the pads aren’t on. The inconsistencies could be attributed to a rotating offensive line, and it’s natural for a team working with a new offensive coordinator to have some growing pains.

“Consistency, doing the right things and it started with the little things: breaking out of the huddle the right way, the right 11 guys in the huddle at the right time, hearing the play call, lining up right,” Brissett said of what’s changed heading up to Day 8 of training camp. “The little things the defense has no control over, doing those things right — standing onside, using our cadence — that’s gonna give us the best chance going forward.

“And I think that’s what (Alex Van Pelt) has been harping on. And I think those things are paying dividends when we go out there. We’re playing against the defense rather than ourselves.”

The veteran acknowledged that the process is part of training camp and that the goal is to get better each day. Well, Brissett was dealing with the humid conditions as he went 17-for-27 overall, but he delivered great passes to DeMario Douglas and Austin Hooper during his reps that went for big gains. And he was efficient in the 7-on-7 drill in the red zone by going 4-for-5 with three touchdowns, including a strong grab by K.J. Osborn.

Drake Maye hasn’t lit up the field yet in training camp, and but he threw the ball effectively when he went 11-for-14 on the day. He matched Brissett’s red-zone production, and he’s choosing to trust the process and not rush into things.

Here are more observations from Day 8:

— Matthew Judon was present for padded practice after he was not on the last two such practices. The veteran got reps in during the 11-on-11 period as he continues to wait out his contract situation with New England.

— Javon Baker continued to show off the electric talent he promised on draft night. Fellow Ja’Lynn Polk went to the medical tent briefly and did not stand out during 11-on-11 or 7-on-7 sessions so that allowed Baker some shine. One of Maye’s more impressive throws on the day went to Baker in the red zone. It appeared he only got one foot in, but his hip arguably went down first, so it depends on how generous you want to be about that. Brissett did miss Baker on a corner post, but the veteran spoke with the rookie after the play after it seemed like the receiver slowed down on his route. But Baker continues to show off his talent and wasn’t afraid to get into it with Alex Austin during a 7-on-7 rep.

— The offensive line largely held up Friday. The starting group remained the same consisting of, from left to right, Vederian Lowe, Sidy Sow, Nick Leverett, Mike Onwenu and Chukwuma Okorafor. Rookie Caedan Wallace started with the second-string group. There weren’t any penalties against the offense, except for a low snap from Atonio Mafi to Maye. The first-string group did well to protect Brissett, and one of the notable sacks given up was when Joe Milton III took a rep.

“I think they’ve gotten better and every day,” Brissett said.

— That takes us to the other two quarterbacks in the room. Milton took one rep and went 0-for-1 and took the aforementioned sack. Bailey Zappe did not take any reps Friday, and he admitted the demotion has been “hard” on him.

— Douglas continued to wear his red non-contact jersey but was dynamic during the 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 periods. Brissett threw a “game-winning touchdown” to the second-year wide receiver, who again projects to be one of the more dynamic weapons on the Patriots offense. Brissett admitted Douglas “pops” off tape, no pun intended in Brissett’s words. The quarterback joked it was an adjustment to throw to someone shorter than he’s used to but admitted he’s a weapon for the offense.

— Marcus Jones was a notable absence from practice, and Kellen Diesch and Mike Purcell participated in their first training camp session.

— The Patriots return to training camp practice at Gillette Stadium on Saturday at 11 a.m. ET.