Kayshon Boutte wasted zero time showing why he’s one of Drake Maye’s favorite targets, snagging a massive 40-yard deep ball down the left sideline during the Patriots’ first training camp practice on Saturday. The reigning AFC champions hit the fields behind Gillette Stadium, and it was an eventful start to the summer, with plenty of action right out of the gate.
Offensive Fireworks (and One Big Question Mark)
Alright, so Boutte. Forget the trade rumors swirling around him, or the new faces like A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs showing up, Boutte was there, loud and clear. During early 11-on-11 work, Maye just unleashed that deep ball, and *boom*, Boutte was there, making a statement on a go route. Maye himself wasn’t surprised, saying, “It’s nothing new. You guys have seen it all year last year, and the year before. He just keeps doing things right. I’m proud of him for getting in there, jumping in there. He understands if he’s got something down the sideline, and a ball down the field, that he’s got a chance it’s coming his way. Great catch.” That’s high praise from the starting QB.
Then there’s fourth-year receiver DeMario Douglas, who kept his momentum rolling from the spring. He was all over the passing game on Day 1, hauling in two passes from Maye. He played a huge role as a slot receiver alongside Brown and Doubs in 11-personnel sets. But it wasn’t all good news. Backup QB Tommy DeVito had a rough start, going 0-for-3 on the day and struggling hard during his first series. No turnovers are a plus, but that’s about the only positive takeaway for him.
Defense Strikes First, Makes a Statement
On the defensive side, Christian Gonzalez made a statement on the *first snap*. Maye tried to hit A.J. Brown with Gonzalez in coverage, and the cornerback, who’s set to be the highest-paid at his position in the NFL, was right there. He provided tight man coverage that made the ball fall incomplete. Gonzalez wasn’t seriously tested the rest of the session, but just seeing him participate fully after minicamp concerns? That’s a major win.
Offseason pickup Mike Brown also saw action with the starter-level defense in nickel packages, serving as the third safety alongside Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson. That’s a good sign he might be more than just a special teamer for New England, even though DeMario Douglas did manage to beat him on one play.
The Patriots are back at it on Sunday, with gates opening at 9:15 p.m. ET for a session starting an hour later. For a team that just won the AFC, every snap in camp matters. Can DeVito bounce back? Will Boutte and Gonzalez keep making these kinds of plays? We’ll be watching to see how this early training camp form develops for the reigning champs.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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