Patriots
A defensive back has a breakout practice, Hunter Henry makes the play of the day, and Jerod Mayo discusses Drake Maye’s status for Thursday’s game.
The Patriots’ offense took a step back on Saturday.
Coach Jerod Mayo challenged his defense to respond to a strong stretch from the offense over the past couple days, and he got a response.
Jacoby Brissett was picked off twice, Drake Maye completed less than half of his passes, and the run defense continued to look stout.
That doesn’t mean there weren’t any big offensive plays — Hunter Henry and KJ Osborn both made terrific catches for 30-plus yards apiece.
Here are five takeaways from the action.
Big day for Jaylinn Hawkins
One of Brissett’s interceptions came on a deep throw intended for Jalen Reagor. The throw seemed a tad bit short, and Azizi Hearn was able to tip it away from Reagor and Hawkins had the awareness to grab it.
Hawkins also jumped in front of a Joe Milton throw intended for tight-end Mitchell Wilcox for a pass breakup.
Mayo told reporters before the practice that Hawkins will get plenty of reps during the preseason.
“Yeah, I mean, he’s going to be a big piece of the group,” Mayo said. “And honestly, as you go throughout the preseason, he’ll play a lot. There’s one for you, he’ll play a lot in the preseason to see what he really has to offer.”
Brissett’s other interception went to Alex Austin. Hooper slowed down before the play was over and Brissett hesitantly lobbed the ball to where it appeared Hooper was running towards. Austin, the next closest defender, snagged the interception easily.
Play of the day: Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry slipped behind Kyle Dugger and made a twisting one-handed catch on a deep ball from Brissett that got the crowd fired up.
It was Henry’s best catch of the camp so far, and the highlight of the day.
An honorable mention goes to KJ Osborn, who hauled in a 35-yarder from Brissett at the start of the two-minute drill.
Will Maye play on Thursday?
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said he hasn’t decided whether Drake Maye will play in the Patriots’ preseason game against the Panthers on Thursday.
“We’re still having those conversations,” Mayo said. “Once again, maybe all of the starters will play. I’m not sure at this present time. We’ll see how we do today and how the guys present the following next couple of days. We’ll have a lot of guys play.”
Maye did not turn the ball over on Saturday, but he also didn’t look as sharp as he did over the previous few days. He finished 6-for-14 including one pass that was batted up in the air by a defensive lineman and nearly picked off. Most of his completions came during the red zone period.
Douglas still in search of first TD
Demario Douglas was the Patriots’ leading receiver last season, but he has yet to score an NFL touchdown.
The second-year receiver said he is determined to reach the endzone this season.
“Y’all should already know the answer to this one,” Douglas said when asked what his goals are for this upcoming season. “Touchdown. Definitely stay healthy, but touchdown. Get in the endzone. I’ll say just get better, better than I did last year.”
Douglas said he has a few celebrations in mind when for that moment comes.
“I’ve been stacking up since last year,” Douglas said. “So I’m getting ready for this year for sure.”
Mapu staying involved
Second-year safety Marte Mapu has been staying active despite missing a number of practices this preseason. He’s been seen at practice even though he hasn’t been playing and he’s been using walkie-talkies to communicate.
“Yeah, you know, he needs to know the calls,” Mayo said of Mapu’s walkie-talkie use. “If you’re not standing by the coach sometimes you don’t get the call, especially when we’re not signaling. Look, Marte’s a very smart individual and he is still engaged, which I appreciate and I think his teammates appreciate as well.”
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