4 standouts from Day 2 of Patriots' joint practices with Vikings
There was a heavier focus on red zone work during the competitive team periods, and the Vikings seemed to get the better of the Patriots in this practice. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was missing All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson and still managed to carve up the Patriots' defense.
Perhaps the most concerning part of the practice was the poor offensive line performance, particularly on the left side. It's important to note that the Vikings were a playoff team with 14 wins last season. Even without Jefferson, they are loaded at the skilled positions, and they have one of the best defenses in the NFL. This was always going to be a tough out for a young Patriots team.
Here were the four standout players from Day 2 of joint practices with the Vikings:
WR Efton Chism III
Efton Chism III was the clear standout working with the second-team unit for the Patriots. The undrafted rookie wide receiver has come on strong in the last two weeks of training camp practices, and he kept that momentum going against a Vikings defense that mostly held the Patriots in check. He had a strong connection with veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs throughout the day.
DT Christian Barmore
On a day when J.J. McCarthy had his way with the Patriots' defense, veteran defensive tackle Christian Barmore was credited with two sacks at Thursday's practice. It was one of the few positive performances for a unit that didn't have many answers for the Vikings' offense. When healthy, Barmore is one of the best defensive tackles in the league. He clearly wasn't going down without a fight.
WR Kayshon Boutte
Patriots second-year wideout Kayshon Boutte connected with Drake Maye for the play of the day to close out the practice. He hauled in a 40-yard bomb from the young quarterback with three defenders in the vicinity, resulting in multiple Patriots players running onto the field to celebrate. It was a highlight-reel play that lifted some of the stench from a tough training camp practice.
QB Drake Maye
This wasn't the best showing from the Patriots' offense, but Drake Maye wasn't at fault for those issues. There wasn't much separation from receivers, and the offensive line was a complete disaster. Yet, Maye still completed tight-window throws and didn't turn the ball over. His best throw of the practice was the Hail Mary touchdown connection with wideout Kayshon Boutte to end the session.
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