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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
8 takeaways from Patriots OTAs as defense stifles Drake Maye
FOXBOROUGH – At this point, it feels like a trend in New England. The Patriots began their offseason workout program this spring, and once again, the defense looks miles ahead of the offense. That was certainly the case during the first open OTA session last week when Drake Maye threw four interceptions. Advertisement On Wednesday, Maye's unit fizzled once again in the second open practice. Although there was some progress – the starting quarterback didn't throw an interception – the Patriots offense wasn't nearly as efficient as one would hope. Maye finished the day completing 53% of his passes (9-of-17) in 11-on-11 drills. The Patriots defense did all it could to disrupt Maye's offensive unit. The combination of Harold Landry, Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, and Keion White up front was at times too much for the Patriots to handle. Maye's first 11-on-11 period was a run-heavy session that saw the quarterback complete three short passes to TreVeyon Henderson, Kyle Williams, and Kendrick Bourne. After that, however, Maye never completed two passes in a row for the rest of the day as the offense didn't get into a solid rhythm. Advertisement Maye completed 2-of-5 passes in the second period and was 2-of-6 in the third. Maye threw behind multiple targets (Kendrick Bourne and Henderson) and had a pass deflected at the line of scrimmage. Tight end Jack Westover also dropped a pass. In the final 11-on-11 period, Maye completed 2-of-3 passes. His last play of the day during competitive drills was a fumbled snap between him and center Garrett Bradbury. Before practice, Mike Vrabel was asked if he cared about Maye's four interception day last week. 'Well, I care. I care about every player's performance and that we continue to improve. There has been great improvement,' Vrabel said. 'Everybody's going to have a bad day. There's a lot of reasons that go into it. We're not going to analyze every single practice and have explanations for things that came up. The command, the operation, all those things have continued to improve. Advertisement '… Hopefully the operation, the communication today, and the execution has got to be better. We only have so many of these opportunities. I'm hopeful that in front of us, the media, that we have a better day.' Here are the main takeaways from Wednesday's open practice: Cause for concern? Learning a new offensive system isn't easy and that's been seen from Drake Maye this spring. Through two open practices, the second-year quarterback is 20-of-33 (61%) with four interceptions. Last year, in five spring practices, Maye finished 29-of-44 (66%) with three interceptions. Is this a cause for concern? Before practice, Vrabel noted that on Maye's four-interception day, the Patriots were working on third-down plays. That made it easier for the defense to rush the passer and made it more difficult for the offense. Advertisement 'This is hard. This is a hard time in the spring when every pass play is third-and-10,' Vrabel said. 'They're pass rushing, they're pressuring and they're blitzing. Which is great. We have to be able to block and see everything. It is a passing camp. It didn't take Keion [White], K.C. [K'Lavon Chaisson], Christian [Barmore], Milt [Milton Williams], and Harold [Landry III] long to figure that out. It is what it is, which is good.' Javon Baker's learning moment Javon Baker flashes potential, but it's also very clear the receiver needs to mature. On Wednesday, Baker found himself on the field with quarterbacks Joshua Dobbs and Ben Wooldridge. The second-year receiver played well and made a great play – jumping over undrafted cornerback Brandon Crossley for a catch on a Wooldridge deep pass. Advertisement After the play, however, Baker flexed his right arm and started to jog slowly to the sideline. That drew the ire of Vrabel because the Patriots offense was in the huddle and waiting for Baker to return. That's when it appeared that Vrabel said something to Baker to get the receiver to run back to the huddle for the next play. Baker's potential shines, but it was also noteworthy that he was catching passes from backup quarterbacks. That was the case even with three receivers (Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Ja'Lynn Polk) either not there or not participating. Maye played with four receivers on Wednesday – Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas. Hunter Henry's a security blanket Maye completed his nine passes to five different players – Hunter Henry (three), Bourne (three), Williams (one), Henderson (one), and Antonio Gibson (one). Advertisement It's clear that Henry is still Maye's security blanket. All three of his receptions came after a Maye incomplete pass. That was seen plenty last season when Henry finished with 66 receptions, 674 yards, and two touchdowns. Stefon Diggs absent On Tuesday, a video circulated on social media of Stefon Diggs partying on a boat in Miami. Before practice, Vrabel said the team was aware of the circulating video, which saw Diggs hand an unknown substance to a woman. Last week, Diggs was present for at least one day of OTAs. That wasn't the case on Wednesday as the receiver wasn't at practice. 'The message will be the same for all our players, that we're trying to make great decisions,' Vrabel said. 'Any conversations that I've had with Stefon will remain between him, I, and the club.' Advertisement The Patriots also had receiver Mack Hollins, cornerback Carlton Davis, tackle Caedan Wallace, and tight end Austin Hooper absent from Wednesday's practice. Rhamondre Stevenson returns Rhamondre Stevenson stayed home for the start of the Patriots offseason workout program after the death of his father. On Wednesday, Stevenson was back at practice in a limited fashion. The running back was with the team during the start of practice but held out of competitive 11-on-11 drills. That led to more opportunities for Antonio Gibson and TreVeyon Henderson. Stevenson ended practice with the offense during their walkthrough. Advertisement 'I want to support him through this process the best that we can,' Vrabel said. 'That's probably a little bit more difficult. He doesn't know us as well. His communication, I appreciated. It's great to have him back. We'll work him along and make sure that he's ready to get out there.' Defense won the day Even when Maye wasn't on the field, the defense won the day. Backup Joshua Dobbs finished 10-of-16 with an interception. He was picked by cornerback Myles Battle on a pass that receiver John Jiles dropped. Wooldridge, the third-stringer, finished 3-of-5 on the day. The defense had several players finish with pass breakups – Jack Gibbens, Craig Woodson, and Kobee Minor. Several players limited Several players were limited during Wednesday's practice. Advertisement Right guard Michael Onwenu was among that group. Without Onwenu, the Patriots offensive line looked vastly different when Maye was on the field. It'll be interesting to see how the guard depth chart plays out this summer. Names to watch are Tyrese Robinson, Cole Strange, Sidy Sow, Wes Schweitzer, and Layden Robinson. There doesn't seem to be a front runner at left guard with several players rotating in during two open practices. Also limited on Wednesday were Kyle Dugger, Ja'Lynn Polk, Vederian Lowe, Jared Wilson, Stevenson, Jaquelin Roy, and Wilfried Pene. Kicking competition The Patriots kicking competition is in full swing. Advertisement Last week, rookie Andy Borregales finished a perfect 4-of-4 while Parker Romo connected on 2-of-4 field goal attempts. On Wednesday, Romo was a perfect 4-of-4 while Borregales finished 3-of-4. The rookie's miss was wide left. The Patriots have been having kickers start around the mid-30s and work their way up to 50-plus yards. Borregales missed his third attempt. More Patriots Content Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots' DT Christian Barmore Cleared For Football Activities and On Track For Week One
Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was ruled out for a large part of the year due to blood clots. He underwent treatment, returned for part of the 2024 season, but was ruled out again after symptoms returned. Looking forward to the 2025 NFL season, there were palpable concerns surrounding Barmore's availability. During a press conference, Barmore provided a very encouraging update on his health. Courtesy of Alex Barth of 985 The Sports Hub on Twitter/X, Barmore gave a positive update on his availability for week one of the 2025 NFL season. Barmore said that he's been cleared for football activity, and that he anticipates being available for week one. It's a very positive update on his health, and gives a lot of confidence in his ability to be ready for the 2025 season. Advertisement While Barmore played in weeks 11, 12, 13, and 15 in 2024, Barmore was still uncertain in whether he would be able to play right away in 2025. This update from Barmore paints a very positive picture, and leads to the belief that he will be ready to go for the Patriots week-one matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The blood clots were a major concern for Barmore, which jeopardized not just his 2025 season, but his career. This update is a huge step towards being ready to go for week one, and a great sign for Barmore in his career. With the Patriots adding Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion Milton Williams at defensive tackle, the Patriots would have a dominant duo if Barmore was back. Advertisement A combination of Barmore and Williams would be among the best defensive tackle duo's in the NFL, and could lead to the Patriots defense playing at a much higher level than it did in 2024. Mark Daniels of Mass Live on Twitter/X also shared that Barmore is expected to be a full participant during the offseason workout program, and OTA's when they begin. These two reports on Barmore's health are massive for the four-year veteran defensive tackle. Heading into the final year of his deal, Barmore needs a big season to capitalize and cash in. Playing alongside Williams, and with an improved secondary behind him, Barmore has a good chance to get back to his 2023 self that got 8.5 sacks despite starting just six games. Advertisement Related: Polarizing Patriots WR Sends Message to Drake Maye Related: Milton Williams Responds to Patriots' Mike Vrabel Calling Him Out
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Patriots' Christian Barmore cleared for 2025 season after blood clot scares
Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore had a roller coaster of a 2024 season as he battle recurring symptoms from blood clots. On Thursday, the 25-year-old told reporters those battles are behind him. Barmore took the podium at Gillette Stadium on Thursday and told reporters he's been cleared for full participation in football activities. He anticipates being on the field when New England kicks off the 2025 NFL season against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 7. "Yeah. That's the goal," said an upbeat Barmore. "I just have to keep following the medical team. But everything is looking really good." Barmore sounded and looked much more like his usual self, and his confidence is back after a scary 2024. "Feeling better, keep getting better, feeling good, more confidence in myself. Back with my breathing. So I'm just feeling really good," he said. "I'm talking my smack, yeah. All that." Barmore was primed for a big 2024 season after he signed a $92 million extension with the Patriots last April, but he was diagnosed with blood clots in training camp and was placed on the Non-Football Injury list. He was cleared to return in November and played in four games, but the blood clot symptoms returned and Barmore landed back on the NFI list. "It was really hard, man. That was one of the hardest times for me," Barmore said of his November scare. "I wanted to be out there. I wanted to support my brothers." Barmore said he doesn't have any concerns about those symptoms resurfacing going forward. Christian Barmore's return to Patriots defense Having a behemoth like Barmore back in the middle of the New England defensive line will be huge for the Patriots. His return, plus the addition of free-agent Milton Williams, should greatly improve the Patriots' rush defense, which was the 23rd-worst in the NFL in 2024. Barmore was a monster in 2023, when he led the team with 8.5 sacks and was second with 13 tackles for loss amid his breakout season. It was easy to understand why the Patriots gave him such a big extension and see him as a key cog on the defensive front. Mix Barmore's return with the addition of Williams and head coach Mike Vrabel, and the New England defense should be a stout unit up front. Barmore hopes his medical scare from last season is completely in the past, but it will continue to motivate him going forward. "Last year really hit me – use that as motivation and anger because it's making me work even harder," he said. "That situation was like I could have lost a lot and literally all the work I put in could have been taken away and I've been really hurt. I can never take things for granted and just keep on working even harder and keep doing what God planned."
Fox News
15-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Patriots' Christian Barmore set to return to field after suffering from blood clots
New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was hit with a huge blow last year when he was diagnosed with blood clots. His 2024 season was cut short, but the 2021 second-round pick received great news on Thursday. Barmore was cleared for football activity, paving the way for a return to the gridiron later this year. Barmore will be a full participant in voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) next week. "Yeah. That's the goal. I just have to keep following the medical team, but everything is looking really well," Barmore said. Barmore was initially diagnosed with the clots in July, but he was able to get back on the field in November. However, he only managed to play in just four games before hitting the non-football illness list. "It was one of the hardest times. I felt like I did everything in my power, wanting to come back," Barmore said, via ESPN. "I don't want to ever be in that situation again, or anybody in the world to go through that. That stuff was no joke. It was a hard challenge." "Feeling good, more confidence in myself, back to my breathing. Talking my smack, yeah. All of that," he added. "Really blessed." He had a breakout third season with the Patriots in 2023, collecting a career-high 8.5 sacks and 64 combined tackles over 17 games. It's what led the Patriots to sign him to a four-year extension worth a maximum $92 million, including $41.8 million guaranteed at signing before he began the final year on his rookie deal. The team has dealt with a player getting blood clots in the past. Center David Andrews, a long-time veteran with the organization, was diagnosed with clots in his lungs in 2019. Andrews eventually returned to play in 2020. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
NFL star gets major health news after blood clots cut his 2024 season short
After having his 2024 season shortened due to recurring blood clots, one New England Patriots defensive star is set to return to the field. Christian Barmore, the Patriots starting defensive tackle, has been cleared for a return to football activities. The player told reporters that he plans on being a full participant when voluntary organized activities begin next week. He also says he'll be ready for the September 7 season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. 'Yeah. That's the goal. I just have to keep following the medical team, but everything is looking really well,' Barmore told reporters (via ESPN's Mike Reiss). Barmore played in just four games for the Patriots last season - missing every game up until Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. He played in three more contests - with his last one coming on December 15 against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. After that game, his season ended as he was placed on the non-football illness list. But since then, Barmore has been hard at work in his attempt to get back into playing shape. Barmore didn't answer a question on if doctors know what led to the recurrence of his blood clots, but revealed the toll the diagnosis took on him. 'It was one of the hardest times. I felt like I did everything in my power, wanting to come back,' he said. 'I don't want to ever be in that situation again, or anybody in the world to go through that. That stuff was no joke. It was a hard challenge.' Next season, he should form half of an amazing interior defensive line duo alongside Milton Williams - who the Patriots just acquired in free agency from the Philadelphia Eagles. 'That's my guy,' Barmore said before revealing that the two line-mates have started a friendly competition between themselves. 'We see who's the first one in the weight room. Who is the first one in the meeting room. We've been always going at it,' Barmore said. 'He makes me work hard. He's a hell of a worker, hell of a guy, hell of a player.'
