The Patriots were back at work Monday morning after a weekend off the field. The focus was the red zone with a variety of situations covered. The reps varied from just outside the red zone at the 25 and worked through the high and low areas as well.
Offensively, things started off well enough for Drake Maye & Co. But eventually the defense responded, and by the end of the day more often than not it was the coverage getting the better of things.
Maye was razor sharp to start in 7-on-7s, hitting Kayshon Boutte, Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas for touchdowns on consecutive plays. He then turned in one of the plays of the day when he connected with TreVeyon Henderson on a wheel route for a touchdown down the left sideline in 11-on-11. It was one of several catches on the day for Henderson, who has shown a propensity for getting open throughout camp.
"Coach [Josh] McDaniels does a great job with all of us in getting us in space, the running backs too," Henderson said. "It was a nice pass from Drake, and it was nice to come down with it."
Henderson appears poised for a significant role on offense as a receiver, something McDaniels has been able to utilize effectively through the years. His speed and route-running are evident every day, and he came out of Ohio State with a reputation as the best pass blocking back in the country.
Given those traits it would make sense for him to watch a film of some great pass-catching backs in Patriots history such as James White, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead and Kevin Faulk, but the rookie says he doesn't limit his study to anyone in particular.
"I enjoy watching great backs in general," he said simply.
In addition to the preponderance of passing, the offense also worked a bit on the running game. Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Terrell Jennings and Henderson all saw significant reps working with the first and second groups.
For Stevenson, who fumbled during Friday night's in-stadium scrimmage, that meant some extra attention on protecting the football.
"I can't do that. I can't do that," Stevenson began. "A mistake happened. It's training camp, so hopefully I can just get that out the way right now, you know? Go into the season clean. But my job is ball security. Ball security is at a premium. I want to make moves and stay the back that I am – I just have to hold on to the ball.
"It's kind of obvious. I'm a running back and I have to take care of the ball."
Stevenson had a couple of effective runs, but it was interesting to see Gibson mixing in with Maye's group periodically during the morning. Both got plenty of work throughout.
The offensive lines also had a reworked nature to them as Garrett Bradbury returned after missing the previous three days. He returned to center while Jared Wilson stayed at left guard next to Will Campbell. Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses continue to round out the right side. Moses once again did not take part in all the reps, only he was replaced by rookie Marcus Bryant instead of Trey Jacobs on Monday.
Jacobs moved to left tackle with the second group as Bryant moved to the right. When Moses went to the lower fields for the final periods, Bryant stepped in and finished the day.
Also, with Bradbury back, Ben Brown worked at left guard with the second group while Cole Strange remained at center with that unit. It looks like Mike Vrabel is trying to find some depth as he mixes and matches personnel along his front.
Beyond the red zone work, here are some observations from Day 10 of training camp.
*Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was treated for dehydration at Monday's practice. He left the workout midway through with the help of medical staff as an extra precaution. After practice, the team announced that Williams was doing fine.
*Members of the Endicott College and Harvard coaching staffs were on the fields for practice. Keep an eye on EC's offensive line coach Ty Perillo … he's a riser in coaching circles (yes, he's my nephew).
*Lots of podcasting on hand at today's practice. Former Patriots wideout Julian Edelman, he of "Games with Names" podcast fame, was in attendance, as were Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, better known as the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast on FanDuel.
*The final member of the PUP list, Vederian Lowe, returned to practice. He repped at left tackle with the third group. Christian Gonzalez, K'Lavon Chaisson, Jahlani Tavai, Caedan Wallace and Kendrick Bourne did not practice. Carlton Davis was in uniform but did not take part in any team work before departing for the lower rehab fields. Bourne, Chaisson and Wallace all were injured during Friday night's practice, and Vrabel said the wideout "got rolled up on and he won't be out here. I wouldn't anticipate him this week."
*Two Patriots appeared to go down with injuries during the practice and were carted off. Defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy and cornerback Marcellas Dial both appeared to suffer leg injuries and did not return.
*Mack Hollins failed to come up with a catchable throw during an early 1-on-1 rep in the end zone and did some pushups when he returned to the line.
*Vrabel spent some time working 1-on-1 with both Harold Landry and Christian Barmore at separate times.
*Javon Baker has been more active in recent practices, and he posted touchdowns on three straight plays during the red zone 7-on-7 period. However, he failed to hold on to a potential touchdown during the team segment when he allowed Brandon Crosley to punch the ball free as he traveled along the backline of the end zone.
*D.J. James was once again impressive in his coverage as he tries to take advantage of his opportunities with Gonzalez and Davis out of the lineup. James made a strong first impression before leveling off a bit during the last couple of practices. On Monday, the first-year corner out of Auburn showed his physicality in coverage, even wrapping up Stefon Diggs on one rep in the back of the end zone.
*Boutte made a tremendous catch in the back corner of the end zone on a fourth-down heave by Maye in the waning seconds. Boutte was tightly covered by James and dove to corral the pass as he attempted to get both feet down. Several members of the football staff indicated it was incomplete, but vice president of football administration Matt Groh was the closest to the action and signaled it as a touchdown. Tremendous body control and footwork by Boutte.
*Monday was a strong day for the kickers as both Parker Romo and Andy Borregales made all four of their attempts. The kicks ranged from 33-52 yards in length and most appeared to split the uprights right down the middle. That came on the heels of strong efforts by both during Friday's in-stadium practice. Vrabel said before practice that both had done well and estimated that they were 19 of 21 in camp heading into the morning workout, making them both 23 of 25.
*TreVeyon Henderson, Mack Hollins, Gee Scott, Rhamondre Stevenson, Keion White and Jared Wilson were among those who spoke with the media after practice.
*Camp continues on Tuesday with a walkthrough ahead of the Wednesday's visit from the Washington Commanders. The practice is open to the public and set for 10 a.m. with gates scheduled to open at 9:15 a.m.
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