Tuesday’s top take from the New England Patriots joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts in Foxborough?
The Patriots offensive line more than held its own in the passing game against the Colts front seven.
All signs pointed to be encouraging as the top unit of (from left) Will Campbell, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses kept Drake Maye upright and on platform through the entire morning.
Maye salutes his guys
“I was proud of the guys for, first of all, the effort. I think seeing somebody new for the first time and seeing some different things, I thought we did some good things,” said Maye, who was sharp for nearly the entire two-hour session until a late interception thrown in the two-minute offense.
“I think we've got to finish off better, and that's speaking on my part, in the two-minute drill. But I really think we challenged our guys to try to be consistent throughout the day, and I think they responded to that.
“I think we have some things to work on. I know it's a good defense over there and they do some good stuff, so I'm looking forward to watching the tape. But I'm proud of the guys and the energy, and sometimes even when we lacked it (at times), I think the guys brought it back.”
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Vera-Tucker, the newcomer, is a dominant type at guard, a true solidifier. The fact that he and the veteran Onwenu at the other guard looks to have eased Wilson’s transition from guard to center.
Wilson has strong day
“Communication has been great since Jared took over (at center),” said Maye. “Just being on our Ps and Qs up front, me and him talking, him seeing things and getting out the calls. I thought he was great today, and it’s just going to get better and better as the year goes on with him.”
For the day, Maye dropped back to throw 25 times and was “sacked” just once.
The run offense was solid but not spectacular against DeForest Buckner and a stout Indy defensive front. But coming off a postseason in which the Patriots allowed 21 sacks in four games, Maye have time in the pocket to throw was a welcomed sight.
