8 standouts from Patriots joint training camp practice with Commanders

USA Today

a day ago

The New England Patriots welcomed the Washington Commanders to Foxborough for a joint practice on Wednesday.
It was a highly competitive and physical practice that ended with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel showing off a little blood on the side of his face. One thing was certain after this practice session: This year's Patriots team is far more scrappy than it was last season.
Many walked away with the impression that the Patriots had the upper hand against a Commanders team that advanced to the NFC Championship Game last season. There were positives to take away on both sides of the ball for the Patriots.
Here were the eight standout players from Day 12 of training camp practice:
QB Drake Maye
Outside of one interception during a red zone drill, Drake Maye was dealing against the Commanders' defense. He finished the practice going 15-of-21 with multiple impressive throws. There were also numerous drops on the field by receivers, including a would-be touchdown pass to rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson. So Maye's production could have been even higher.
DT Milton Williams
The consistent pass rush the Patriots generated up front was one of the biggest takeaways from Wednesday's practice. Milton Williams being one of the lead enforcers along the defensive front was a reason for it. He had dominant reps in one-on-ones and helped put some heat on Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the competitive team periods.
QB Joshua Dobbs
Drake Maye wasn't the only quarterback dealing in this practice. Veteran Joshua Dobbs also had a strong outing against the Commanders' defense. Overall, he finished the practice going 18-of-22 passing during the competitive team periods. If anything, this is proof that both quarterbacks appear to be growing more comfortable with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' playcalling.
WR Demario Douglas
With Stefon Diggs sidelined for 11-on-11s, Demario Douglas stepped up as Drake Maye's favorite target on the field. The connection between the duo has only strengthened in training camp, and it gave Commanders defenders fits at practice. Douglas looked unguardable at times on the field. He is truly one of the more underrated receivers in the NFL.
CB Alex Austin
With Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis sidelined, Alex Austin stepped up in a big way against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders' offense. Daniels went 0-for-2 when targeting Austin during the red zone period near the end of practice. Austin has been an ascending defensive back since his arrival in New England, and he could be ready to take things to the next level in 2025.
DT Christian Barmore
Christian Barmore looks like he's ready to pick right back up where he left off before the blood clots in 2024. Like Milton Williams, he shined in one-on-one reps and also kept Jayden Daniels on his heels during the team periods. The combination of Barmore and Williams could be one of the scariest defensive fronts in the league this year.
DT Khyiris Tonga
Khyiris Tonga has been one of the more impressive defensive players in training camp. He's a big-bodied space-eater capable of stuffing runs, and like we saw on Wednesday, generating pressure up the middle. The addition of the veteran defensive tackle to a group that already included Milton Williams and Christian Barmore could pay off in a major way for the Patriots' defense. Tonga looked impressive on the practice field against the Commanders.
WR Mack Hollins
This was a solid practice from Mack Hollins, who hasn't had many physical reps with the offense in training camp. However, it's clear he's been doing the mental work by the multiple catches he came down with at Wednesday's practice. Perhaps his most impressive play came on a deep pass from quarterback Joshua Dobbs, which he hauled in with one arm for a touchdown.
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