FOXBOROUGH - Practice No. 11 of 2024 is in the books; let's run down all you need to know: all the stats, 3 up/down, 1-on-1 pass rushes, and odds and ends:
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Ja'Whaun Bentley does not return after elbow injury: The veteran middle linebacker, who runs the defense, suffered a left elbow injury that got a lot of attention from the medical staff and then he did not return to the field. For the rest of practice, Jahlani Tavai was paired with Raekwon McMillan in the middle of the defense. There's a lot of time before the season starts, but this would be another big blow to the defense following Christian Barmore's situation.
Caeden Wallace also had a left elbow issue but after testing it out, he finished practice although he was dragging his left arm by the end.
All the particulars in a possible Brandon Aiyuk trade were at practice: Eliot Wolf and director of pro personnel Patrick Stewart were on hand (I did not see Matt Groh), and Wolf conversed with Robert Kraft when he appeared at practice. Matthew Judon, a possible trade chip, was there but did not take part in practice. Kendrick Bourne, who has been mentioned in a possible deal, made his usual appearance on the sidelines after conducting his rehab workout.
"Honestly, I did talk to (Bourne) this morning, and it was a good conversation," Mayo said. "Once again, I feel like the story is so much further along than anything else. I just wanted to make sure we cleared the air. I do believe in being transparent with the players and really just setting those guys at ease."
All four quarterbacks will play vs. Panthers: Jerod Mayo was peppered with questions before practice about the plan for the preseason game, starting with Drake Maye.
"Drake will play. Drake will play, and when he gets in the game, we'll talk about that, but he will play in the game. Look, everyone who is healthy enough to play in the game will play in the game."
Q: Do you envision all four quarterbacks playing?
JM: So, as of today, that's the plan, to have all of those guys out there playing. Once again, it goes back to competing. So, yesterday, you guys saw the live tackling period and things like that, that I think is very important. You don't want the first time these guys have to get hit or hit someone else to be in the preseason game. So, we’ve got to see what these guys can do with live action.
Q: Do you want Jacoby [Brissett] to start on Thursday night?
JM: That's the plan. Once again, look, I'm telling you guys this today. I mean, it could change as the week continues to progress, but that is the plan.
From the look of practice, with Brissett working exclusively again with the starting offensive line, it doesn't appear like the plan today is for Maye to get any time with the starting offensive line.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
Physically unable to perform list: WR Kendrick Bourne, LG Cole Strange, LB Sione Takitaki
Non-football injury list: None.
Red non-contact jerseys: WR Demario Douglas.
Returned to practice: TE Jaheim Bell.
Out: DT Christian Barmore, S Marte Mapu, CB Marcus Jones, S Joshuah Bledsoe, OT Chuks Okorafor, DE Matthew Judon.
Limited: WR Tyquan Thornton, DE Josh Uche, OG Sidy Sow
New injuries: LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (left elbow, did not return); OT Caeden Wallace (left elbow, returned).
DRESS CODE
Full pads (6th day, fourth in a row).
LENGTH OF PRACTICE
2 hours in in cloudy, wet conditions.
QB STATS
Team periods
Jacoby Brissett: — 8 for 12, 2 sacks, fumble — (0 for 0, sack, fumble; 1 for 3, TD; 4 for 6, sack; 3 for 3)
Drake Maye: — 5 for 10, INT, fumble — (1 for 1; 4 for 5; 0 for 4, INT, fumble)
Bailey Zappe: 3 for 5, 2 sacks;
Joe Milton: — 1 for 1; 2 for 2 in opportunity period.
7 on 9 red zone
Brissett: 1 for 4, TD
Maye: 3 for 4, 2 TDs
Milton: 2 for 4
Patriots had a 5-minute period where the line only rushed one side at a time, and the pace was slower. I didn't count it. Brissett was 3 for 5. No one else got reps.
Note: I do not have the number of reps that some other writers have because I do not count when the offense is "working off cards." Those are plays when an assistant coach brings out a play on a card and shows it to one side of the ball. They are not running their own plays, so since there are so many x-factors — including the receiver running the right route and blockers executing correctly — so I do not count those reps.
HANDS TEAM
Drops: Kevin Harris, Javon Baker
Fumbles: Brissett/Andrews; Kevin Harris; Mafi/Maye.
Pass breakups: Azizi Hearn, AJ Thomas.
Interception: Marcellas Dial off AJ Thomas tip (Maye).
Sacks: Trysten Hill, Kyle Duger
TOP PLAYS
Drake Maye had two great corner throws in 7 on 9 red zone to Kayshon Boutte and Jaheim Bell. Perfect touch and time.
Javon Baker made a ridiculous diving catch of a Brissett bullet along on the left sideline in the end zone ... but he didn't get both feet down.
THREE UP
QB Jacoby Brissett situationally: Brissett was a perfect 4 for 4 in a situation where the team needed a field goal. Too bad Chad Ryland missed.
Running game: After getting their butts handed to them on Monday, the running game popped more often today, including a nifty Rhamondre Stevenson behind a pulling guard.
WR Kayshon Boutte: Had a great TD catch from Maye and also had a great seal block on a Terrell Jennings big run.
TWO DOWN
RB Kevin Harris: Had a fumble and drop today.
QB Drake Maye in team: He's still showing his best in 7-on-7 periods, and he did that again with two touchdowns (after not seeing a wide-open Juju Smith-Schuster for an incomplete swing pass) but he's also continuing to struggle in team periods. He was 0 for 4 with an interception and fumble (Atonio Mafi's fault AGAIN) and all of his throws weren't probably great decisions, there was heavy coverage.
K Chad Ryland: Seemed to have control of the kicking competition of late, but he missed a 54-yarder in a game situation today, and then was 3 of 4 while Joey Slye was 4 for 4.
QUICK HITS
- Sidy Sow was dressed and took part individually, but did not take part in team. Michael Jordan took his spot at LG.
- Vederian Lowe got his fifth straight start at left tackle. Starting line most of practice: Lowe, Jordan, Andrews, Onwenu, Anderson.
- Second team: Wallace, Robinson, Leverett, Mafi, Henry.
- Third team: Diesch, Fornadel, Burner, Mafi, Henry.
- Marco Wilson got the starting LCB spot. He and Alex Austin are splitting days and competing.
- Jaylinn Hawkins had been entrenched at FS.
- Joe Milton had a couple horrible passes today that weren't close.
SCHEDULE
Wednesday: OFF
Thursday: 7 p.m. vs. Panthers
Friday: OFF