Foxborough - It's often the case in NFL training camps that defenses start ahead of offenses and make life extremely difficult for those trying to execute plays with the ball. It's easier to destroy than create, you know the cliches, and that's certainly been the case through two practices for the Patriots, as an experienced defense with not only coaching and personnel carryover but also a handful of significant contributors who have re-entered the mix from injury have helped the defense carry the first two days of camp.
Newly re-signed veteran Kyle Dugger got things started on Wednesday during the first training camp session of the summer, intercepting a pass deflection made by Jonathan Jones. It was an immediate reminder of the kind of game-changing plays the Patriots defense has been known to make.
"I just want to continue to be a better leader, better communicator, and really just help the whole defense out in any way possible," said Dugger after Thursday's session, fresh off of signing a new four-year deal this spring that will keep the emerging star in New England. Fellow safety Jabrill Peppers, who picked up an impressive pass defense himself against Hunter Henry on Thursday, is now entering his third year with the team and is another active member of the defense who can play all around the secondary and second level of the defense.
Dugger and Peppers were key cogs in 2023, but it's those returning from injury that have captured the most notice through two training camp practices. Christian Gonzalez, donning his new number zero, has returned to his cornerback position, flashing the effortless athleticism that made him the AFC's Defensive Rookie of the Month last September. Gonzalez looks to be suffering no ill effects from the shoulder injury that ended his season last October in Dallas.
In Year 2, Gonzalez hopes to put the mental reps he was forced to take for most of last season to use as he fully re-enters the mix at one of the game's most important positions.
"[The injury] gave me time to learn more mentally obviously, because I couldn't do anything physically," said Gonzalez. "I couldn't be on the field but it helped me learn the game, or helped me pick up nuances I might have not known.
"It's the best feeling in the world being able to do what I love and being held back from it, that's hard. But that's in the past and I'm so excited to just come out take it day by day and get back to where we were at."
Joining Gonzalez at cornerback is Marcus Jones, who was around the ball a lot on the first day and flashed the kind of slot potential that might've been overshadowed by his excellent return ability that shined during his rookie season. With two cornerbacks back in the mix the position group has been reinforced by two promising young players dripping with talent.
Gonzalez wasn't the only player to suffer a season-ending injury in Dallas last season, as the game also cost the Patriots their most potent pass rusher, Matthew Judon. Though Judon admitted he was hoping for a contract adjustment following the first session on Tuesday, simply having Mr. Red Sleeves back on the field provides an instant and noticeable boost to the defensive front. Judon's three-down ability on the edge is unique on the roster and what makes the veteran such a valuable piece.
But perhaps another fresh face could be entering that mix, as second-year defender Keion White has also seen plenty of action through two practices. White played 521 snaps on defense in 2023, registering just a single sack and 26 combined tackles. The brute defender is entering 2024 with something to prove.
"I'm still in the position, personally, that I feel like I'm trying to still earn my spot and just earn my stripes since I'm only going into year two," said White, who picked up a would-be run stuff during team drills on Thursday. "So I still feel like I need to prove myself to not only my teammates, but the league."
White looks lighter and perhaps more fluid, an early indicator that his position versatility could be pointed toward the edge, in a role that could both complement and supplement Judon. Early on White has his eyes set on making more of an impact as a pass rusher.
"The biggest thing for a D-lineman is to be able to get the green light to mess up," said White. "[I'm] trying to just earn my stripes and earn that green light to be a little bit more free in the rush and be more of a focus in the rush. It's a thing but that comes into earning the trust of your coaches and your teammates to know that you know what you're doing.
"[The game] is slowing down and being able to anticipate... last year I was more so worried about doing my job, not messing up. And now going into Year Two I feel like I'm more concerned with winning my reps instead of just doing my job."
The defense is not without questions despite the continuity they have retained. Judon discussed his contract situation after Wednesday's practice, while Davon Godchaux was a late arrival and non-participant on Thursday. Godchaux also has stated his preference for a new deal, adding some uncertainty at two positions with limited experienced depth behind them.
But through two practices it looks like the same old Patriots defense... disruptive, fluid and aggressive. With the offense rebuilding from ground zero it's a curse right now early on, but in-season it could be a blessing that holds opponents within striking distance as the fledgling new attack takes shape.
For now, they're just stacking days.
"I felt like we did good [today] but we'll get back in the in the film room and learn from our mistakes and learn from our wins," said Gonzalez. "There's so much you can learn from wins and losses. So we'll get back in the film room, attack it and come out tomorrow."
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