The New England Patriots had a much easier practice on Monday in preparation for a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The team entered the field only in their shells and the session ended much earlier than usual. But of course we took some important moments from the training.
Here are A to Z Sports’ observations from day 13 of training camp.
1. No team representatives for Bailey Zappe
Zappe played a lot in the team’s first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, but when the team returned to the field on Sunday to prepare for the Eagles, Zappe’s playing time was limited.
And at practice on Monday, he didn’t do a single repetition of the team exercises.
This could mean that Mayo will rely more heavily on veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye as the season progresses. And of course, there’s Joe Milton.
The rookies are moving from college to the NFL and could use the extra plays.
So we will see what happens at the joint training on Tuesday and then again on Thursday at the second preparation game.
2. 7th day in a row at LT for Lowe
It appears the Patriots have found their starting offensive lineman. At least that’s what it seems like based on the formation they used during training camp last week.
Vederian Lowe was active at left tackle for the seventh consecutive day, with Chukwuma Okorafor on the right side.
LT: Vederian Lowe
LG: Sidy Sow
C: David Andrews
RG: Mike Onwenu
RT: Chukwuma Okorafor
3. Where is Hunter Henry?
The Patriots’ best tight end left practice on Sunday, apparently due to injury. And on Monday, Henry was nowhere to be seen on the field.
This is concerning considering he is a key weapon for the offense, but it also meant that the other tight ends on the roster got a chance to prove themselves.
Austin Hooper took over as number 1, but the place behind him is still uncertain.
4. Dell Pettus continues to impress
The undrafted safety has had a really solid training camp and if any UDFA makes the roster, Pettus has the best chance at this point.
On Monday, Joe Giles-Harris deflected a pass from Joe Milton and Pettus was right next to him, grabbing the ball before it hit the ground so he could intercept the pass.
5. Rounds for defense
Sloppy!
This resulted in the defense having to run two laps in 10 minutes during practice, one of which was because Deatrich Wise jumped offside.
Mayo wasn’t happy, so they better get this sorted out.
6. Match of the day
Brissett placed wide receiver Jalen Reagor in the right corner of the end zone, with Christian Gonzalez in coverage. Brissett sent the pass up, and Reagor was able to catch it and go down a half-yard before falling out of bounds.
Landing!
7. Quarterback Stats
11 against 11
Jacoby Brissett: 6/9
Drake May: 5/8
Joe Milton: 1/5, INT
7 against 7
Jacoby Brissett: 2/5
Drake May: 3/6
8. What happens next?
The Patriots will host the Philadelphia Eagles for a joint training session on Tuesday. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and training begins at 10:30 a.m.
Jerod Mayo and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni will address the media before practice and the players will speak afterward.
Here are the Patriots players who may be talked about: C David Andrews, DT Davon Godchaux, TE Austin Hooper, LB Matthew Judon, QB Drake Maye, S Jabrill Peppers, RB Rhamondre Stevenson
