New England’s defense came out swinging on Sunday, snatching the first interception of training camp and delivering a serious message after the offense had its way on day one. It was their second practice session in Foxborough, a 90-minute grind behind Gillette Stadium, and even with no pads and limited contact, the pass defense made some serious noise.
The Defense Stepped Up Big Time
The Patriots’ pass defense wasn’t messing around. After the offense lit things up to open camp, the defense “punched back” on Sunday, and you love to see that kind of response. The highlight? Safety Craig Woodson snagged the first interception of camp. It was a high pass for A.J. Brown, tipped right off his outstretched fingertips, and Woodson was right there to corral it. How about that for a camp moment? But they weren’t done. Christian Gonzalez, who was a full participant again, and Carlton Davis both recorded pass breakups. Even Milton Williams got in on the action, swatting a pass down right at the line of scrimmage. Talk about making a statement!
Maye’s Struggles and Boutte’s Highlight
Now, for rookie QB Drake Maye, it wasn’t all sunshine. That tipped pass to Brown leading to the pick? Not his only overthrow of the day. His very first pass of the afternoon sailed high on a crosser to Hunter Henry. Later, he overthrew an open Eli Raridon off a play-action bootleg while a free rusher was coming at him from behind. You can bet coaches are taking notes there.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the offense! Kayshon Boutte, who had the highlight play the day before, was back at it. He pulled in the Patriots’ biggest offensive play of Sunday, working the sideline against Carlton Davis to haul in a roughly 20-yard back-shoulder ball from Maye. That’s a connection to watch! Maye and Brown did connect for the first time in camp on a simple slant, but Maye’s lone target to Romeo Doubs was incomplete. Tommy DeVito got Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams their first catches of the summer, with Williams running a strong downfield comeback. UDFA Nick DeGennaro also got on the board with two catches from Behren Morton.
Rookie Lomu Stepping Up Big
On the offensive line, some interesting shifts. First-round pick Caleb Lomu got some valuable reps at right tackle with veteran Morgan Moses sitting out competitive reps. The Patriots even used Lomu as a jumbo tight end, bringing Marcus Bryant in at right tackle. That kind of versatility from a rookie is huge! The rest of the offensive line stayed consistent with Will Campbell and Alijah Vera-Tucker. As for who was out, ED Gabe Jacas was in the building signing his rookie contract but sat out practice with pre-draft injuries. WR Jeremiah Webb was slightly banged up Saturday, and FB Reggie Gilliam was a new absentee. All four of those guys, plus RB Terrell Jennings, TE C.J. Dippre, ED Harold Landry III, and S Brenden Schooler, remained on PUP/NFI lists.
The pads aren’t even on yet, and this Patriots defense is already making a strong case! Let’s see if Maye can tighten up that accuracy next time out, because these guys are just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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