Pats Pulpit
Joint practices at the TCO Performance Center stood in the rearview. More stood ahead at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The New England Patriots outlasted the Minnesota Vikings there by a score of 20-12 on Saturday, improving to 2-0 in preseason play under head coach Mike Vrabel.
Here’s a first glance back on the 1 p.m. ET matinee.
While 2024 NFL draft classmate J.J. McCarthy sat out for the Vikings, Drake Maye stayed in for two drives for the Patriots. A week removed from fumbling, the sophomore starter was nearly intercepted on a high, tipped throw intended for slot receiver DeMario Douglas. It was followed by a penalty for delay of game.
Last year’s No. 3 overall pick finished 4-of-7 passing for 46 yards, led by a long of 20 to veteran wideout and fellow North Carolina Tar Heel Mack Hollins. They connected three times, including while out of the pocket on third down and under duress. It was a step forward in settling down.
By the 4:10 mark in the first quarter, it was time for backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. The former Vikings trade acquisition completed his first three throws, but the fourth was missed under pressure on fourth-and-5 in the back of the end zone. The next possession gave way to a punt after a miss along the sideline. A 13-play, 88-yard scoring drive was put together going into intermission, however. It featured four conversions through the air on third down. Altogether, Dobbs went 11-of-16 passing for 106 yards and a touchdown in what was a much more even outing than his previous. Undrafted rookie Ben Wooldridge took over the offensive huddle with 8:44 to go in the third quarter and closed it out with a 7-of-13 line for 55 yards.
A week removed from leading New England in targets, receptions, receiving yards and finding the end zone, Efton Chism III wanted more. He drew a facemask penalty and secured all six passes sent his way for 71 yards and a touchdown by halftime, including a long of 33.
Four Vikings defenders couldn’t bring down 5-foot-10, 198-pound slot. Five Vikings defenders couldn’t, either, as the ball extended over the plane to make it 14-0. A long line of transactions may be imminent for the Patriots. An undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington won’t find himself among them. Fellow rookie Kyle Williams was also off to a strong Saturday. The No. 69 overall pick from Washington State caught all three of his early looks for 24 yards, including on back-to-back plays in tight windows. Yet after going up to move the chains on third down, a pad-cracking hit by linebacker Austin Keys sent him to the blue medical tent and locker room.
No member of the New England wideout room eclipsed Javon Baker’s seven targets. Only one completion was in the cards for the 2024 draft choice, who had a toe-tapping comeback route on...
