Drake Maye, the NFL MVP runner-up, just straight-up looked like the best player on the field yesterday during the competitive session against the Eagles. This wasn’t just another practice, folks. With thousands of fans in the stands, it was as close to a game as you can get in an early season workout, and Maye absolutely lit it up. He wasn’t just going 4-for-6 in 7-on-7s and then 16-of-19 in 11-on-11s, either. We’re talking about a guy who spread the ball around like a pro, moved in the pocket like a magician, and hit downfield throws especially to his top guys like A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, and Kayshon Boutte. Maye was in total command, and the Eagles’ defense had their hands full, big time.
Maye’s Offensive Firepower and a Big Reunion
Speaking of A.J. Brown, his reunion with the team that traded him was probably the biggest story of the early season. And guess what? The veteran receiver was *busy*. Brown ended up being the top pass catcher on either side, snagging seven receptions during the team’s competitive work, with four of those coming in the 11-on-11 drills. His chemistry with Maye was on full display, with a pair of downfield grabs and two crucial slants. It’s clear that connection is gonna be dangerous. The Patriots’ offensive line also showed up big, holding its own in the ground game against one of the league’s top defensive fronts, the Eagles’ D-line. The left side, particularly Will Campbell and Alijah Vera-Tucker, were opening some serious holes for Rhamondre Stevenson. That’s a good sign for keeping the chains moving.
Defense Shows Flashes, But Has Work To Do
On the defensive side, Milton Williams, another former Eagle, also had himself a day. He came out setting the tone from the heart of the defensive line, disrupting plays consistently. At one point, he even put Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson on skates! Williams’ ability to create chaos definitely kept the Patriots’ run defense from looking even worse. Because, let’s be honest, the run defense was not up to the same level as the offense’s O-line. Setting the edge remains a huge concern, and Saquon Barkley found some gaping holes on multiple occasions. That’s a fix that needs to happen ASAP. But hey, the secondary? They were hungry for big plays! Second-year safety Craig Woodson was the hungriest, picking off two passes and adding a sack. He’s absolutely on track for a big Year 2 jump as a starter next to Kevin Byard, and that’s exactly what you want to see from a young guy stepping up.
This kind of intense early season competitive session sets the tone for these teams. Maye’s command and Woodson’s playmaking are exactly the kind of early trends you want to see emerging. The run defense needs to tighten up, no doubt, but there’s plenty to build on as the season gets rolling.
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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