FOXBOROUGH - A few observations from the hill during a practice in May ...
• We'll start with Drake Maye for obvious reasons. After throwing four interceptions last week, he didn't throw any today although he and Garrett Bradbury had a fumbled snap. I had Maye 9 of 15 with a sack and the fumble. I had Josh Dobbs 10 of 15 with a sack and an interception that was not his fault (John Jiles let it get into his chest and it clanged off).
• Dobbs had the better day because he made more plays down the field, including the play of the day - a bomb down the right sideline to rookie WR Kyle Williams, who did a great job stacking the cornerback and giving Dobbs room to throw to the sideline. Javon Baker also made a few plays down the field, but one time he totally pushed off Marcellas Dial. Baker continued down the field into the end zone, and then spent most of his time flexing to the DBs who were telling him it was a flag. Baker was expected back in the offensive huddle, and Mike Vrabel had to get him to, basically, refocus and get back to work.
• Maye is obviously still feeling things out, working through his progressions and playing on the slow side. That's to be expected for a 22-year-old QB in a new system. Dobbs is a vet who has been in multiple systems. This is to be expected. And, yes, Maye still has his hitch, which is more pronounced when he's thinking more.
• The first two team periods seemed to be deceptive periods - screens, quick game, etc. The final two periods were not off a script - Josh McDaniels was calling the game on the fly and the offense had a little bit more of a chance because the running game was involved, it wasn't straight passing like last week.
• Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu and Vederian Lowe did not take part in team, like last week leaving the offensive line up for grabs. The name to watch would be guard Tyrese Robinson (picked up off Vikings practice squad last season), who got extended playing time in the ongoing competition. Will Campbell had a couple of reps he'd want back, but seemed to improve. Moves well and is smart. Morgan Moses took part more and his communication up front was evident.
• Rhamondre Stevenson was back and limited; looked to be in good shape. Antonio Gibson got a lot of snaps and TreVeyon Henderson wasn't quite as much of a factor as last week. Henderson and Maye weren't quite on the same page a few times. Lan Larison did a nice job with his opportunities.
• Pop Douglas, Kendrick Bourne and Kayson Boutte continue to get a lot of time. Bourne had a few issues not sitting in zone. Hunter Henry was Maye's top target in the seam. UDFA Efton Chism continues to pop. Did a great job coming back on an in cut and then using his jump stop to lose a defender.
• Like watching how the defensive line and linebackers work off each other to get movement. Some free rushers today. Marte Mapu continues to show off his versatility outside his listed safety position. Continue to be impressed with Christian Barmore's physical shape. He looks great. Rookie DT Josh Farmer got more playing time today and had a pass breakup, along with Milton Williams.
• Impressed by rookie safety Craig Larson. He made a couple of great reads over the middle today. Jabrill Peppers was back and in his normal spot with Jaylinn Hawkins. No Kyle Dugger in team periods. Alex Austin got a lot of run with Carlton Davis not there.
• The kickers were each 3 of 4.\
SPECIAL DAY FOR DAVID
On Monday, the team will host David Andrews as he officially announces his retirement. Andrews was released by the team in March as he rehabbed from shoulder surgery. He spent his entire career in New England, starting 121 games. The ceremony is scheduled for 3:30 PM at Gillette.