FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots dialed back the intensity Tuesday, focusing on situational work and how they'll approach the Vikings scheme before heading to Minnesota for two highly anticipated joint practices. With Brian Flores' aggressive defense waiting, the next few days will provide a valuable measuring stick for Josh McDaniels' offense and quarterback Drake Maye.

McDaniels said he's encouraged by the progress Maye and the unit have made through camp. "I think we make progress every day," McDaniels said before practice. "[Drake] works extremely hard every day to be prepared for each practice. He's a quick learner… the biggest thing we've tried to talk about since the spring is to limit the number of repeat errors. If we make an error, that's not a bad thing as long as we learn from it and don't repeat it again."

The offensive coordinator noted that camp remains a laboratory for experimentation. "We're trying some new things with different people, now that we have a better understanding of each guy's skill set, how much they can process, who can play multiple positions," McDaniels explained. "We're really trying to hone in on what they do well and then continue to grow from there."

Maye's ability to extend plays has been a talking point, and McDaniels acknowledged the balancing act between creativity and risk. "He's such a gifted athlete… there's a fine line between holding onto the ball too long and doing the right thing to help the team," he said. "He's improving in that area and understanding his value to the team is when he's healthy."

Looking ahead to Minnesota, McDaniels expects a major test. "We're going to see a lot of different things… they'll align in different spots, pressure us in different ways," he said of Flores' defense. "What happens in these practices is you find out how well you know your rules because you can't anticipate everything. Hopefully, it's a great couple of days up in Minnesota."

Kyle Williams Eyes Growth After Debut

For rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams, Friday night's preseason opener was a dream come true, but also a reminder of the work ahead. "It was honestly a surreal feeling," Williams said of his debut against the Commanders. "You dream about these moments. Practice is one thing, but when you get to actually live out the game experience, I don't take it for granted."

Williams admitted he left plays on the field, including a near-touchdown and a deep shot that probably should have been a pass interference call. "I feel like I was getting open, but there were some plays I could have capitalized on," he said. "Control what you can control. Next play, keep a positive attitude, and when you get that chance, make the most of it."

The rookie is leaning on veteran advice and focusing on steady improvement. "Brick by brick, step by step… hopefully by the end of the year, I'm at the peak of my game," Williams said. "Don't confuse the result with the process. That's something I hear every day, and it sticks with me."

Back and Forth Kicker Battle Continues

The competition between Parker Romo and rookie Andy Borregales remains one of camp's most intriguing storylines and Tuesday didn't provide much clarity. Borregales went 2-for-5, including a notable miss from about 60 yards out at the end of a competitive two-minute drill that wrapped practice, while Romo finished 1-for-4 during a kicking-focused period.

Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer said consistency will ultimately decide the job. "You've got to earn a role, and if you earn a role through consistency and showing up every day, that's the guy that's going to win the job," Springer said. He praised both kickers for competing hard but stressed that the evaluation process is far from over. "We still got a long time to go. I love how both guys are competing right now to earn a role."

Springer also noted that versatility matters under the league's new kickoff rules. "The more you can do, the better," he said. "If you can put the ball in different areas, different directions, that creates more value for yourself."

Defense Building Chemistry Before Big Test

Defensive lineman Milton Williams said the unit is trending in the right direction but still has work to do. "We just got to keep building, make sure we're executing the call, being where we're supposed to be, and trusting your teammates," he said. Williams is eager for the joint practices, "It's like a game, even more so than the preseason game. You're hitting somebody else, and you get great work. Those are the [most fun] days."

The trip to Minnesota will also serve as a bonding opportunity. "Everybody can't just go home," Williams said. "We're all in the same hotel, so we'll spend those extra hours together. That's good for us to come together a little more."

Quarterback Josh Dobbs, who spent time in Minnesota in 2023, knows what's coming from Flores' defense. "It's aggressive," Dobbs said. "He likes to blitz and keep the offense off balance. For us, we just have to go in with a plan, understand our looks, and get the ball out quickly."

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