FOXBOROUGH - With the preseason officially in the books and the NFL's roster cutdown deadline looming Tuesday, the Patriots are shifting gears. The intensity at Sunday's practice began to noticeably ramp up, while the focus began to shift toward the Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. For players like Milton Williams, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Mack Hollins, this week is about bringing the remade Patriots together and setting the tone for a new era in Foxborough.
Williams, signed this offseason to be a foundational piece of the Patriots' revamped front, has embraced the urgency of the moment. "We've been kind of having that sense of urgency all camp," Williams said following Sunday's session. "Now it's just getting more real for everybody."
Williams looks to be an ideal fit for New England's new attacking approach, and he's ready for the challenge of playing an even bigger defensive role than what he played in Philadelphia. "More plays, more snaps, more opportunity for production to help the team win," he said. "I've always been somebody out there trying to get production and help the team win. Now I'm definitely gonna get the opportunity."
His approach is grounded in making the most of every moment in practice. "Practice should be harder than the game for us, depending on how hard we work," he emphasized. "That's an emphasis for this week."
Chaisson, a former first-round pick looking to solidify his role in New England, has quietly built momentum throughout camp despite a setback that cost him a few days of practice following the in-stadium session earlier this month. He's been a consistent presence off the edge and his role has steadily grown since the spring.
His connection with head coach Mike Vrabel, a former linebacker himself, has been a key part of his development.
"It's been fantastic," Chaisson said of working with Vrabel. "Every little bit of advice he gives out is super critical to the game." He also praised outside linebackers coach Mike Smith, saying, "He's been around Pro Bowlers… some future Hall of Fame players. Every bit of advice from him and Coach Vrabel is super helpful."
Chaisson's mindset is rooted in not overthinking. "Just keeping the game of football as simple as possible… enjoying the smell of grass, man, going out here and getting the person with the ball. It's fun."
After dealing with injuries and roster uncertainty in previous seasons with the Jaguars and Raiders, Chaisson is embracing the opportunity to contribute. "Anytime I get a chance to be out here and just be productive, I try to take advantage of it," he said, expressing hopes of finding a long-term NFL home. "I look forward to being somewhere stable and consistent, where I can give the fan base and franchise everything I got."
On the offensive side, Mack Hollins has emerged as a tone-setter for the Patriots' wide receiver group. Entering his ninth NFL season, Hollins brings a unique blend of intensity, leadership, and versatility. Known for his special teams prowess and physical blocking throughout his career, Hollins has shown consistent chemistry as a receiver with rookie quarterback Drake Maye throughout the summer.
That chemistry continues to grow with every session, both on and off the field.
"I think it's reps," Hollins said. "But then it's hanging out in the locker room or going to eat. Those dinners before games matter… they build a rapport that translates to the field."
Hollins' energy is infectious. "Everybody here is a high-level athlete… compete and have fun with this game," he said. "It's a game at the end of the day. Don't forget that."
His approach to doing the little things that help win football games is rooted in pride and purpose. "Some of my best plays in my career were when I didn't have the ball," Hollins said. "If I spring a block and nobody knows it, but my teammates do, I love that type of stuff."
He's also mentoring younger players like Javon Baker, emphasizing the importance of versatility. "It doesn't matter how you stay on the bus, it just matters that you're on the bus," Hollins said. "Then you get opportunities."
Even nine years into his career, Hollins remains hungry. "The day I stop chasing is the day I hang it up," he said. "If you're just going through the motions, that's a good way to leave on a note you don't want to leave on."
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