FOXBORO — As the summer sun glistens over Foxboro, the Patriots welcomed their first practice of the season with palpable excitement. Gathering around him, head coach Mike Vrabel took center stage in a huddle, delivering a rallying cry that encapsulated the team’s philosophy for the upcoming campaign: play fast, play with urgency, execute with efficiency, and keep that relentless finishing mentality front and center. The moment he wrapped up, the huddle burst apart, and players raced across the field, eager to dive into drills. The unmistakable sound of music and the thrill of football finally filled the air.
This marked our first glimpse of the 2025 Patriots, and the early returns were intriguing. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye showcased poise, completing 8 of 9 attempts even as he navigated through a challenging day for the offensive line. Veteran receiver Stefon Diggs demonstrated no signs of rust after recovering from an ACL tear, while a rookie wideout matched his output with two receptions. On the defensive side, an unheralded cornerback grabbed the distinction of recording the first interception of the summer.
Let’s dive into some key observations from this opening practice:
Attendance Report:
The team was mostly intact with the following exceptions:
- Non-participant: WR Ja’Lynn Polk didn’t take part, but he was present after offseason shoulder surgery, albeit limited.
- PUP: TE Austin Hooper, OT Vederian Lowe, WR Mack Hollins were all on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
- NFI: S Josh Minkins was sidelined due to a Non-Football Injury.
In a bit of positive news, veteran cornerback Carlton Davis returned from NFI, and linebacker Jahlani Tavai was back on the field after a concerning calf injury earlier in the offseason.
Play of the Day:
Hunter Henry’s sensational back-shoulder catch stood out late in practice. Lining up tight on the left side, Henry bolted on a wheel route as Maye looked to connect. The ball floated perfectly into the zone behind linebacker Robert Spillane. Showcasing his athleticism, Henry executed a stunning 180-degree spin over Spillane, snagging the ball and crashing down to the ground; it was a highlight-reel moment covering close to 20 yards.
Player of the Day:
WR Kyle Williams impressed during his debut, tying Diggs with two receptions in team drills. One of his grabs on a comeback route along the left sideline was particularly noteworthy. He managed to shield off cornerback Christian Gonzalez, keeping his focus and securing the catch out of bounds, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Quarterback Roundup:
Focusing strictly on the competitive 11-on-11 periods:
- Drake Maye completed 8 of 9 attempts but was sacked four times.
- Joshua Dobbs struggled, going 2 of 6 with an interception.
Maye spread the ball around effectively, albeit through a gauntlet of near interceptions and would-be sacks. He began by hitting Diggs on a shallow cross and later connected with rookie Kyle Williams multiple times. Despite some shaky moments—like near picks and being chased down—Maye’s composure shone through as he navigated the field with swings to solid targets like Antonio Gibson and Kayshon Boutte.
Dobbs faced a tougher afternoon; his accuracy faltered, highlighted by an underthrown deep ball to rookie Javon Baker that ended up as a pick for corner DJ James. Dobbs’ completion to Kendrick Bourne and another to John Jiles were his highlights.
Standouts:
- Defensive Lineman Keion White: He secured the cleanest sack, consistently impressive and providing a boost for a defense looking for a strong year.
- Cornerback DJ James: Grabbed an interception and displayed good positioning, suggesting that he could make a push for a spot on the final roster.
Offensive Takeaways:
During team drills, top target breakdown featured Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas among those securing passes. The offensive line featured a mix of shifts, with rookies and veterans both vying for their spots.
Running back snaps were shared, with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson leading off. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson displayed his burst but will need to step it up in future padded practices. Notably, the Patriots leaned into a predominantly zone-blocking approach, mixing in both outside and inside schemes more than usual.
Defensive Focus:
On defense, both Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers resumed their roles as starting safeties, highlighting their recovery from previous injuries. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of the nickel cornerback position, showcasing Marcus Jones’ potential role.
Overall, Vrabel’s squad displayed a mix of veterans and newcomers, each battling to carve out a role. The emphasis was on building chemistry and establishing a competitive edge early in the practices—an essential tone for what lies ahead in training camp.
With a second practice on the horizon, which is open for fan participation, there’s a palpable buzz surrounding this new-look Patriots team as they head into the season. Keeping a keen eye on these young players and their development will be crucial as the story of the 2025 season unfolds.
