On Wednesday the Patriots shifted their focus toward the Washington Commanders with much of the padded practice dedicated to running plays off of cards and preparing for the scheme that they'll face on Sunday night in the preseason finale.
"The good part about having it this Sunday is [having] a mock game week as far as preparation, as far as practice," said Bailey Zappe, who, along with Joe Milton saw extended reps in practice. "So that's kind of nice to have, kind of getting into the routine of things so when the season comes around, you already know what you're going to do. Obviously, that helps the rookies too because they've never done it. So this is kind of like their first go at a Sunday game, so it's nice."
With the reduced pace of practice it was hard to get a read on many depth chart developments. Just one 11-on-11 session featured what would be considered the first team offense and the first team defense facing off.
While there were some competitive 1-on-1s for the offensive and defensive lineman and some 7-on-7 work for the skill positions, much of the team portions were run off of cards.
Perhaps of greatest note was that left tackle Vederian Lowe left practice with a trainer with what appeared to be an upper body injury. Lowe has been the top left tackle since early in camp and his departure meant more reps on the left side for rookie Caedan Wallace.
Nick Leverett's return to full activity was a boost to the offensive line, but Calvin Anderson remains out and the heavy rotation that we've seen over the last week continued and was further exacerbated without Lowe.
However, Chuks Okorafor highlighted the benefit of getting multiple reps across different positions for multiple members of the offensive line.
"You just don't know what was going to happen, mid-game, or whatever the case is, it's definitely helpful for a bunch of guys to learn how to play different spots, just in case someone gets hurt, or whatever the case is," said Okorafor.
There were some plays to highlight despite the shift in competitiveness. Marcellas Dial had an interception off of Jacoby Brissett as Brissett targeted Tyquan Thornton downfield in early 11s work that had the Patriots offense going against a Commanders-esque defense.
Fellow rookie Drake Maye hit Kayson Boutte for a big gain up the seam later in the drill, perhaps the best throw of the day. Maye continues to primarily run with the second team, but appears to be on track to see some extended action against the Commanders.
"Definitely some things I can take and kind of move forward with," said Maye after practice. "Things I thought I did well, still dropped a snap, little things here and there, but at the same time, getting more and more reps out here...I'm getting more comfortable. So I'm excited. It was fun out there on Thursday and excited to get back out there on Sunday."
One unfortunate play came toward the end of practice when Maye lofted a beautiful deep pass just in between and over the safeties, hitting Pop Douglas in stride but the receiver was unable to bring in the catch. Maye has shown great deep ball touch but going back to last week against the Eagles, his receivers have been letting him down. That part of the Patriots offense is there just waiting to click.
The practice wrapped with another field goal session and this one was handily won by Joey Slye, who hit on all four of his kicks while Chad Ryland converted only one of his four.
Practice Notes
Oshane Ximines and Nick Leverett returned to practice but Ximines went to the lower field for rehab and conditioning... He was joined there by Shaun Wade, Calvin Anderson and Marte Mapu, Mapu looks like he is finally making progress, Mayo called him "week to week" before practice... Mitchell Wilcox was back at practice but was only in a helmet and no pads... Austin Hooper has been a light participant but took some steps forward in more competitive drills... New addition Christian McCarroll turned heads on his first day with a big hit on a running back in one-on-one hitting drills...Fellow new receiver Matt Landers dropped a Joe Milton pass in 11-on-11s but bounced back to catch a deep flag from Milton that might've been a touchdown, McCarroll looks tall and fast... Daniel Ekuale had a nice 1-on-1 win over Michael Onwenu, Ekuale is emerging to be a significant member of the defense this year...Marcus Jones seems to have taken over the starting slot job.
Quotes of Note
Jerod Mayo on what he's looking for from the quarterbacks this week:
Yeah, I think it starts with the operation. I always say, 'Good huddle, good break, good play.' So, it starts in the huddle, then getting guys lined up, going out there, executing the play, making the right reads and moving the offense down the field.
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