Jerod Mayo's Strategic Adjustments Shine on Day 2 of Patriots Training Camp
The New England Patriots training camp continued to reveal strategic changes and notable performances as the team adapts under the guidance of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo.
The most significant development on Day 2 was Jacoby Brissett securing first-team reps at quarterback. Brissett, stepping up as a potential starter, completed nine of his 13 passes during competitive drills and showed solid efficiency by hitting two of his four attempts in 11-on-11 situations. Following Brissett in the quarterback pecking order were Drake Maye and Joe Milton III, pushing veteran Bailey Zappe down the depth chart.
This shift in the quarterback hierarchy saw Zappe demoted to the fourth spot, a noteworthy fall for the quarterback who completed two of his three throws during minicamp work. Additionally, Milton was chosen over Zappe for competitive drills, where he completed an impressive four of his six passes. Drake Maye also demonstrated his potential by completing 10 of his 12 passes in competitive drills, despite facing a few setbacks in 11-on-11 plays, including a miscommunication with Tyquan Thornton and a drop by tight end Jaheim Bell.
Speaking about the changes, Jerod Mayo emphasized the team’s philosophy: “We’re always going to take the mindset of we’re going to do what’s best for the organization and we’re going to try to get those guys reps so they can compete.” He added, “I don't know if that means four or three, honestly. Right now we have four quarterbacks and those guys will go out there and practice today.”
Another focus of the camp has been the offensive line, which saw considerable rotation on Day 2. Calvin Anderson, Caedan Wallace, and Vederian Lowe are all actively competing for the right tackle position, with Mike Onwenu holding steady at right guard. While Anderson and Wallace primarily filled the right tackle role on Day 1, Lowe saw significant snaps at right tackle on Day 2, demonstrating the coaching staff’s willingness to experiment and find the best configuration. Additionally, both Wallace and Anderson contributed on the left side, adding more variability to the line-up.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton received increased reps and targets during the 7-on-7 drills, showcasing his potential to make a significant impact this season. Meanwhile, tight end Jaheim Bell struggled with consistency, highlighted by a drop during one of the drills. Attendance was noteworthy, with Kendrick Bourne participating in practice but not engaging in active drills as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL.
The defensive side also saw dynamic performances, particularly with cornerback Christian Gonzalez projected to secure one boundary cornerback spot, and Jonathan Jones likely covering the opposite side. Marcus Jones made his presence felt with a critical pass breakup intended for Ja'Lynn Polk during the first competitive 7-on-7 period, adding a highlight to the defense’s effort.
Off the field, team owner Robert Kraft was seen speaking with pass rusher Matthew Judon regarding Judon’s contract status, a critical conversation given Judon’s importance to the Patriots' defense. Kraft also spent time conversing with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, signaling an ongoing attentiveness to the team’s strategic direction.
In terms of player health, Antonio Gibson returned to practice but was limited in his activities, while DeMario Douglas engaged only in individual drills and abstained from 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 sessions. There was a hiccup during the afternoon drills when Antonio Mafi had a poor snap with Milton at quarterback, a reminder that the road to regular-season readiness is still a work in progress.
As training camp progresses, Jerod Mayo’s leadership, the evolving quarterback situation, and strategic adjustments on both the offensive and defensive lines will continue to shape the Patriots’ preparation for the upcoming season. The team’s focus on giving players ample opportunities to compete underscores a competitive and adaptive approach to assembling the final roster.