When you face a Flores-led defense, it will be a heavyweight matchup, with the two sides exchanging punches. From this perspective, we're leaving the first day of joint practice in Minnesota with a positive feeling after a flurry of big plays by the Patriots offense, while also acknowledging that the Vikings pass rush was impactful.
Here are 11 takeaways from the Patriots offense versus the Vikings defense on Wednesday in Minnesota.
\- Maye seemed to handle Flores's pressure package well, finding completions as practice wore on. There were a few instances where it was debatable whether or not Maye would've escaped a sack, but he seemed to hit a few roll-out completions that would've been good in a game. When facing a blitz-heavy defense, Maye's ability to get out of dodge is a bonus. Backup QB Joshua Dobbs threw two interceptions on an out route and seemed to miss a zone-dropper in the window on a pass intended for WR Efton Chism III.
\- RB TreVeyon Henderson is a playmaker. His wheel route to cap off practice was great, but his most impressive rep was a blitz pickup. Henderson stood in the A-Gap against a pressure front, stopped a blitzing linebacker in his tracks and Maye beat the blitz on a completion to Pop Douglas on a deep out. Henderson continues to look like a special talent.
\- RB Rhamondre Stevenson worked off to the side during the session. Before practice, Vrabel said he doesn't believe Stevenson will be out long. TE Hunter Henry also sat out the session. The veteran tight end was present, but didn't participate in the practice.