Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots were back at work on Thursday for their second practice with the Minnesota Vikings. After landing their punches on the first day of joint work, the team of head coach Mike Vrabel encountered more challenges during the second session.
The Vikings, frankly, spoiled the head coach’s 50th birthday. Minnesota was the better team on both sides of the ball, and while the Patriots did again have some encouraging moments they were few and far between. The difference between a dark-horse Super Bowl candidate and a rebuilding team was on full display Thursday.
Here is what went down on the practice fields at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, MN:
Attire: Full pads
Duration: ca. 120 minutes (1 p.m.-3:00 p.m. ET)
Conditions: Cloudy, temperatures in the 70s
The rain mostly held off in Minnesota for the second fully-padded joint practice. After more full field work on Wednesday, the teams moved down into the red area for the majority of Thursday’s session.
Not participating: CB Christian Gonzalez, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, LB Marte Mapu, RB Terrell Jennings, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, LB Jahlani Tavai, WR Kendrick Bourne, TE Hunter Henry
Returned: TE Hunter Henry, ED Elijah Ponder
Limited: S Jabrill Peppers, CB D.J. James
Departed: OL Jared Wilson
There were no new absences for the Patriots on Thursday, but the day did see the return of Hunter Henry and Elijah Ponder to the field. Cornerback D.J. James also was in full pads after missing recent sessions but did not appear to participate in team drills.
In the injury department, rookie offensive lineman Jared Wilson left the field after taking part in warmups with the second offensive line. Jabrill Peppers also left the field early before returning as a spectator.
Offensive line woes: New England started the day with a change up front, as Ben Brown replaced rookie Jared Wilson as the starting left guard. The change did not lead to improved performance or the offensive line: Drake Maye was under consistent pressure throughout the afternoon.
Much of that pressure came off of Maye’s left side, with Jonathan Greenard getting home for what appeared to be three sacks in a span of 11 pass plays working against rookie tackle Will Campbell. It was the worst day of the summer for New England’s first-round draft pick, who later also was flagged for a false start in the final one-minute period.
Maye dealt with additional pressure up the middle of the pocket, including one unblocked rusher for a quick sack. Additionally, Morgan Moses gave up a pair of sacks to Dallas Turner and Jonathan Allen.
Red area struggles: Opening with four periods starting inside or around the 10-yard line, it was a struggle for Maye and company. The group cleanly found the end zone on just one occurrence, a TreVeyon Henderson rush. With limited space available, New England’s receivers struggled to create separation and Maye was forced into three scrambles and a throwaway. The second-year QB did have...
