6 takeaways from Day 2 of Patriots-Vikings joint practices

USA Today

4 hours ago

The New England Patriots concluded their second day of joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, having been given a real test this week. Both the Vikings' offense and defense provided challenges for the Patriots, and as expected, things went well, while the team struggled in other areas.
So, here are the key takeaways from the second day of joint practice with the Vikings:
*Information in this piece provided by the Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed, NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry, and MassLive's Mark Daniels
1. Mike Vrabel Jumps in the Middle of a Fight... Again
During a scuffle between the Patriots and the Washington Commanders in last week's joint practice, head coach Mike Vrabel jumped in to try and break it up, but ended up on the bottom and even came up with a streak of blood on his face. And on Thursday, he jumped right in again between New England and the Vikings, and once again ended up on the bottom of the pile.
Oh, and not to mention it was Vrabel's 50th birthday. With that, he told reporters there is only one kind of cake he wants.
'There's one answer, it's carrot cake,' Vrabel said. 'There's one answer. There's no hemming and hawing.'
2. Another Rough Day for Will Campbell
Will Campbell certainly had his hands full during joint practices, and Thursday was no different. The rookie left tackle was battling Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and gave up two sacks during team drills.
3. Ben Brown Makes The Move to Left Guard
After having some struggles during the first day, Jared Wilson didn't take part in the second day despite being present in pads. He was even photographed leaving the field early. In his absence, Ben Brown filled in at left guard, continuing to work with the top unit.
4. Drake Maye to Kayshon Boutte Hail Mary
Drake Maye has been having some success in the two-minute periods to end practice on both days of joint practice. One day after hitting TreVeyon Henderson on a wheel route, with the rookie running back taking it for a 70-yard touchdown, Maye connected with Kayshon Boutte on a Hail Mary. This came after Maye was sacked twice, which forced a fourth-down situation. But, he sent the ball deep for Boutte, and the receiver didn't disappoint.
5. J.J. McCarthy vs. The Patriots Defense
J.J. McCarthy took advantage of the Patriots' missing Christian Gonzalez, giving the cornerbacks a lot of trouble. Despite nice pressure from New England's defensive line, McCarthy was able to make plays and connect with his receivers, including nice plays to T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison.
6. Attendance
Not participating: CB Christian Gonzalez, WR Ja'Lynn Polk, LB Marte Mapu, RB Terrell Jennings, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, LB Jahlani Tavai, WR Kendrick Bourne, TE Hunter Henry
Returned: TE Hunter Henry, ED Elijah Ponder
Limited: S Jabrill Peppers, CB D.J. James
Left Early: OL Jared Wilson
What's Next?
The Patriots will face off against the Vikings in their second preseason game on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell announced that J.J. McCarthy will not play, and Sam Howell will start instead.
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