Most of the reports from New England Patriots training camp and Wednesday’s joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles rang positive with Drake Maye ravaging the Eagles’ secondary and the Patriots defense confusing Jalen Hurts and Co.
All was not perfect, though. Here are four Patriots who will be looking to bounce back in Thursday morning’s session No. 2 with the visiting Eagles.
Gabe Jacas
The rookie continued his quiet times in the opening practice with Philly, almost in a continuation of his work against the Colts last week.
New England is hungry for the “boom” from the second-round draft pick out of Illinois. At times, Jacas appears to be thinking too much on the field instead of reading and reacting. He says that’s not true.
“Each and every practice, I’m just playing football now,” said Jacas after Wednesday’s joint session. “When I first got here, it was just scheme, learning the scheme. Now I’m just out there playing football, and playing fast.”
Jacas is making up for lost time, reporting late to camp after injury and contract issues.
“I’m ready to go. Excited for this week, excited for this game. Another opportunity. I’m just grateful,” the rookie said, not ruling out the idea that he might again be asked to play in Saturday night’s preseason game as he did vs. the Colts.
Robert Spillane
As these sessions are wont to do, they turn into pass fests. That is not good news for a linebacker like Spillane, who earns his paychecks roaming sideline to sideline to shut down the run game.
In minimal opportunities early in Wednesday’s practice, the Eagles opened some big holes for both Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley to run through.
And that was with Milton Williams, up front, being his usual disruptive self.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Charles Woods
Like it or not, with Christian Gonzalez “injured,” Woods is a starting NFL cornerback.
The Eagles were without their top receivers on Wednesday with no DeVonta Smith or Makai Lemon but still found success going right at Woods.
Woods needs to return to his early camp form for this defense to be able to count on him.
Will Campbell
He’s under the microscope, as we have noted through camp, and each time he either gets beaten in a team drill or gives up ground in one-on-ones, it’s noted.
Maye needs to be confident in this guy. He needs to stack good days.
