TEAM TALK
Evan Lazar serves up 10 leftover thoughts on the Patriots following joint practices in Minnesota. The vibes were high for the Patriots after a great showing on day one. …However, the Vikings bounced back on day two, reminding everyone that Minnesota is coming off a 14-win season and a playoff berth a year ago. …Maye avoiding going into Flores’s blender over the two days was a good sign. More!
Mike Dussault recaps Thursday’s practice: The Vikings had the upper hand, consistently scoring in red zone periods and capping the day with a two-minute touchdown. But the Patriots saved their best for last, as Drake Maye hit Kayshon Boutte for a game-winning score in the final situational drill.
Mike Dussault details the Patriots defense delivering a strong showing on Wednesday, setting the tone early with multiple would-be sacks and finishing with a competitive two-minute drill.
Mike Dussault and Evan Lazar break down Thursday’s 2nd joint practice in Minnesota. (4 min. video)
Patriots Unfiltered: Observations from joint practice w/ Vikings, preseason Game 2 preview. (2 hr video)
Patriots Catch-22: Key takeaways and observations from joint practices with the Vikings. (2 hr video)
LOCAL LINKS
Mark Daniels identifies 5 things to watch in preseason Week 2 vs. Vikings. 1. Drake Maye: “it would be nice to see Maye have more success passing the ball – and have success in this new Josh McDaniels offense.”
Doug Kyed identifies some roster bubble players to watch in preseason Week 2: QB Ben Wooldridge, WR Javon Baker, FB/TE Jack Westover, Offensive linemen, DT Isaiah Iton, CB Kobee Minor, S Kyle Dugger and the kickers.
Mike Reiss shares the latest intel, updates from camp. QB J.J. McCarthy completed 12 passes in a row at one point, which reflected how the Patriots’ defense was on its heels for the majority of Thursday’s practice. Receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas dropped multiple passes; More.
Taylor Kyles’ Training Camp 16: Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs did their best, but they couldn’t carry the Patriots in a brutal second practice against the Vikings
Karen Guregian looks at how Stefon Diggs has gone from being the Pats’ best receiver to an afterthought.
Mike D’Abate reports veteran LB K’Lavon Chaisson is eager to add some aggression and attitude to the team’s pass defense.
Mark Daniels examines how Will Campbell fared as he went up against Vikings Pro Bowl pass rusher.
Mike D’Abate notes Mike Vrabel bluntly objected to being questioned on the Week 1 status of star receiver Stefon Diggs.
NATIONAL NEWS
Tyler Lauletta (SI) Mike Vrabel got in the middle of training camp fight between the Patriots and Vikings.
Tyler Lauletta (SI) Drake Maye took a minute to help some fans with their Fantasy Football draft. /Cool.
Andrew Krammer (Star-Tribune) Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy ends joint practices with Patriots on high note: ‘A lot more accurate.’
Kevin Patra (NFL.com) One potential first-time Pro Bowler from each AFC team heading into the 2025 NFL season. Patriots: DT Milton Williams. /Click for commentary.