5 takeaways from day 19 of Patriots training camp

Patriots

The Patriots The penultimate training session before the season finale on Sunday was mostly a session in shorts and tops.

New England spent considerable time preparing for Washington, with the first-team defense facing the scout team offense.

Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett made impression for probably the most part. Bailey Zappe was used more often within the role of quarterback on the scout team than he has in a protracted time.

As injuries proceed to mount on the offensive line, the Patriots have assembled a brand new offensive line.

Here are five insights from the campaign.

Since Lowe is out, Onwenu takes over the tackle task

Vederian Lowe, who had to depart training early on Wednesday attributable to an injury, stood on the sidelines wearing a jersey but without protective equipment.

The injury is a minor oblique injury and isn’t expected to be a long-term problem, said Chris Price.

With Lowe out, the Patriots moved Chukwuma Okorafor from right tackle to left tackle. Mike Onwenu moved from guard to right tackle. Rookie guard Layden Robinson, who had been competing with Sidy Sow for the opposite guard position, was on the sphere with the starters alongside Sow on Thursday. David Andrews remained at center.

Lots of labor for Bailey Zappe as scout team QB

While the Patriots prepared for the Commanders, the Patriots' scout team offense was led by Bailey Zappe.

He did well in team drills, where he didn't play at full speed at times. He didn't lose the ball and distributed the ball quickly.

It was a better day for Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett, who’re battling for the starting job. Both quarterbacks performed well despite the reduced tempo and phone, completing the overwhelming majority of their throws.

Maye caught in two-minute exercise

Maye made the one interception of the day.

His pass was deflected by defender Dell Pettus and defender Tristen Hill caught the pass and secured the ball.

The defensive players, especially the linebackers, were enthusiastic about Hill's play and it was an lively end to practice.

“I was happy, man. I couldn't believe it either,” said defensive player Daniel Ekuale. “We call him Full Speed. Every time he comes out, he's explosive. I like his energy, he just does everything full speed.”

Alex Van Pelt praises Tyquan Thornton

Tyquan Thornton, Ja'Lynn Polk and Demario Douglas appeared to be probably the most used receivers on the highest unit.

The coaching staff appears to be making an emphasis on the receiver group being faster on the sphere than last yr, and Thornton seems to suit that idea.

“His ability to stand out is special,” said offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. “His speed down the field, his ability to escape coverage and man coverage, all of those things. And he's been really tough at the catch point this year. So he's getting stronger and stronger in that regard. I hope to see him shine here in the next game.”

Thornton, a second-round pick in 2022, has yet to rush for greater than 250 yards in a season and has scored just two touchdowns in two seasons. His first two seasons were marred by injuries. He has been more robust thus far this summer, but he still has loads to prove.

“I definitely feel more confident, I'm just working on my routine,” Thornton said. “I'm just working on myself in the offseason, on all the little things I need to get better at and building on my strengths even more.”

Living on the sting

With Matthew Judon gone, the Patriots are counting on several players to fill his role as edge rusher.

So far, the outcomes have been solid, said linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley.

“Obviously our guys have to step up. Anfernee Jennings, Keion White and Josh Uche are all eager to step up to those roles,” Bentley said. “Obviously they're not trying to be Matt in any way, but they're doing a solid job. They just have to keep doing what they're doing because they're on the right track.”