Patriots

Drake Maye made the play of the day, and other takeaways from Day 1 of Patriots training camp

Jalen Reagor hauled in a highlight-reel worthy one-handed catch on a pass from Drake Maye

By Khari Thompson

July 24, 2024

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Patriots training camp is officially underway, and a couple of storylines immediately stand out.

The first is the quarterback battle. According to coach Jerod Mayo, it’s clear that Jacoby Brissett is the most pro ready option for the Patriots at quarterback. If the season started today, he would be the guy.

But, training camp is made for competition, and rookie Drake Maye has time to make an impression. He connected on a highlight-reel throw during his Patriots training camp debut, while Brissett steadied himself after throwing an early interception.

The other is Matthew Judon’s contract situation. Judon spoke at length about how he’s frustrated with his contract situation but wants to stay in New England.

With those two topics in mind plus a few others, here are five things to know about Day 1 of Patriots training camp.

Jacoby Brissett throws early pick, but steadies himself

Brissett remained at the top of the Patriots’ pecking order at quarterback, kicking off the scrimmage portion of practice with the first team.

He did have an early miscue — Kyle Dugger intercepted off a pass after Jonathan Jones tipped it.

“Jon made a great play, he got the pass breakup and (Dugger) is always in the right spot at the right time,” said safety Jabrill Peppers.

But, that was the only major hiccup for Brissett who was able to steady himself and turn in a solid performance. His most memorable throw went to tight-end Austin Hooper, who made a diving catch on a ball that had some zip on it.

Play of the day: Drake Maye hits Jalen Reagor for 1-handed catch

Jalen Reagor had a breakout day. He hauled in a pair of deep passes, one from Bailey Zappe and the other from Maye.

Reagor had a pair of defenders trailing behind as Maye hit him in stride about 50 yards down the sideline for a spectacular one-handed catch.

Overall, it was a somewhat uneven performance for Maye who completed a little more than half of his passes. He was second in line for QB reps behind Brissett and in front of Bailey Zappe and Joe Milton.

The throw showed a flash of Maye’s potential and what he can do with his arm strength.

Onwenu still experimenting with role

Mike Onwenu, who spent time at right tackle last season, took reps at right guard on Wednesday.

Onwenu has a history of playing guard and his versatility has allowed him to switch between guard and tackle. He said having the time to get used to the coaches and where they want him to play is part of what training camp is all about.

“That’s what this period is for,” Onwenu said. “We’re at camp now and when we have full pads on we’ll be able to hit and actually practice that, whether it’s run blocking, pass blocking, or all the above.”

Regardless of where Onwenu plays, one of the major questions with this team is who will start at right tackle. The Patriots still have to iron out what the offensive line will look like. Onwenu has been one of New England’s best offensive linemen over the past few years, no matter whether he’s been at guard or tackle, and got rewarded with a massive contract extension because of it.

Judon, Godchaux participate despite contract issues

Neither Matthew Judon nor Davon Godchaux are particularly happy about their contract situation.

Judon said he feels his current deal does not reflect his worth, but said that he will play because he feels like he has to.

Both Judon and Godchaux have one year remaining on their deals and have mentioned that they would like to negotiate.

Still, they both showed up to practice on Wednesday and participated.

“It feels great and it honestly shows their professionalism,” defensive lineman Deatrich Wise said. “They’re the type of guys who want to get better. They put the ‘we before me’ in their attitude. They’re some great guys and they come in here every day, grinding, in meetings asking questions, sharing knowledge.”

Mixed reviews on big extensions

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson said watching several of his teammates get big contract extensions this offseason makes him want to work harder.

“It makes us all want to work harder,” Stevenson said. “I don’t want to speak for everybody, but playing for the Patriots is a great organization so I wouldn’t imagine anyone wanting to leave. So, yeah, I imagine it will give people hope that they can finish their career here.”

Judon said he is happy for his teammates that got paid, but admitted that it’s tough not to feel jealous while he is unhappy with his contract situation.