FOXBOROUGH — On a day when the Patriots were scheduled to practice in Nashville, Chris Stapleton blared from the speakers on the backfields at Gillette Stadium instead.
Though they weren’t practicing against the Titans, Bill Belichick’s team was in full pads and had a full plate; there was plenty of work to get in. New England’s edge rushers were dominant against an overwhelmed offensive line, a key rookie was injured, and a major contributor practiced for the first time this season.
Here are nine takeaways from the final open Patriots practice of the summer:
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1. Pass rushers rule the day
Wednesday was a day where training camp stats were very much deceiving.
Mac Jones went 18-for-23 in 11-on-11 periods, but the starting quarterback would have been sacked (at least) six times by defenders as the coaches just let the play roll on. Matthew Judon was a menace, registering three (would-be) sacks, while Keion White, Deatrich Wise, and a blitzing Jabrill Peppers all registered obvious sacks, too. Offensive tackle remains New England’s most glaring issue as Week 1 approaches.
2. Wise brings the thunder
The veteran defensive lineman registered the most dominant rep of the day.
For his sack in 11-on-11, Wise got Trent Brown off balance and bull rushed the 370-pound tackle onto his backside, bowling past him to get to Jones. It was an impressive show of strength — and some film Brown won’t want to revisit.
3. Onwenu returns from PUP
In an encouraging offensive line development, Mike Onwenu practiced for the first time this summer, meaning he’s off the PUP list. He participated briefly in individual drills — playing his normal spot at guard — and then migrated to the upper fields for most of practice, riding an exercise bike for awhile. Now it’s a race to see how quickly the Pro Bowl caliber player can be game-ready.
4. Gonzalez gets banged up
The most alarming moment of practice came during Bailey Zappe’s two-minute drill.
After allowing a catch to wide receiver Thyrick Pitts, rookie Christian Gonzalez was in obvious pain. The first-rounder hopped off to the sideline on one foot, and then team trainer Jim Whalen gave Gonzalez a lengthy exam on his left foot/ankle. Gonzalez was able to walk to the locker room under his own power, but was hindered. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on moving forward.
Hunter Henry was also dinged up late in practice, but didn’t need much medical attention and tried to come back to the huddle before being sent to the sideline. It seemed the coaching staff just didn’t want him to aggravate things any further for no reason.
5. Boutte builds more momentum
Kayshon Boutte hauled in four more receptions in 11-on-11 periods, leading all Patriots pass catchers. Boutte caught an early touchdown pass from Zappe, beating Shaun Wade, and ended Jones’ final two-minute drill by besting Myles Bryant for a score. He continues to ascend.
6. 10 players missing
Even with Onwenu’s return, New England’s absences were still in double digits on Wednesday: Tyquan Thornton, Jonathan Jones, Cole Strange, Calvin Anderson (NFI), Cody Davis (PUP), Trey Flowers (PUP), Kody Russey, Conor McDermott, Isaiah Bolden and Marquan McCall.
Strange and Russey arrived at practice as spectators part of the way through, while Jones and Flowers conditioned on the upper fields. McCall won’t be suiting up for the Patriots anytime soon, as the big nosetackle reportedly failed his physical with a knee injury.
7. Heavy workload for Folk
It was a Nick Folk day in the kicking competition, and the veteran kicker went 6 for 9 in field goal attempts with minimal wind. After Chad Ryland struggled on Tuesday (1 for 4), things could continue to intensify here over the next week or so.
8. Pop Douglas limited again
For the second straight session, Demario Douglas spent most of practice rehabbing on the upper fields. His absence is pretty noticeable, which speaks to how many did-you-see-that plays he’s turned in during his first training camp.
9. Cunningham still gunning for spot
During a special teams drill early in practice, Boutte muffed a punt and Malik Cunningham went hurdling over the returner as he covered the fumble. It was noteworthy for a couple reasons. First, the Patriots are still working Cunningham at gunner, and second, he’s definitely getting to the returner in timely fashion.
In a later drill, Boutte was repping at gunner. It’s clear that if the young wide receivers make the 53-man roster, Belichick wants them to be versatile for game day.
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