Training Camp Recap: First Three Days of Patriots Training Camp

Written by Karver Jordan
The New England Patriots have been on a roller coaster for these last couple of seasons, now it is time to get back to winning ways of New England. A change of the coaching was the biggest improvement in the 2023 offseason for the Patriots. The vibes at training camp have improved greatly, Fans of all ages have had smiles on their faces, the players look happier than ever, everything looks to be in a solid place. Let’s take a look at the first couple days of training camp for your 2023-24 New England Patriots!
Day one recap:
Starting off training camp in the Red Zone offense is something great we love to see. New England was in helmets and shorts to start off the warm summer day. The 2022-23 Patriots offense was a mess, the Red Zone offense was non-existent. The Red Zone scoring percentage last year for the Patriots was 42.22% (Last in NFL) Bill O’Brien first training camp of the year was a Red Zone work day, this is a HUGE step in the right direction for the young Patriots team. Quarterback Mac Jones would complete four of his seven passing attempts in the red zone. One of the catches was a touchdown by newly acquired Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (Building team chemistry is key). Ty Montgemry was very solid on day one, the RB/WR would record four touchdowns to start his training camp. The offense would struggle the first day but that was understandable for the following reasons… New Coaching, New Players, Going against a great defense.
The Red Zone defense was great on opening day, Kyle Dugger was phenomenal in the Red Zone. Dugger would record an interception off of Mac Jones. Shaun Wade, a young defensive back would have a good amount of pass breakups (Two), Wade has been under the radar since the beginning of his New England days; Wade is just trying to find his groove in the Patriots defense and in Day one he was great.
Overall a great day from the whole Patriots team. Iron sharpens Iron.
Day two recap:
On day two of Pats Camp, It was Red Zone based yet again. Today was a struggle for Mac Jones and the Starting Patriots offense. Jones would start the day Zero for Four in passing during seven on seven drills, Not ideal at all; However it was all passes thrown to the back of the endzone. I wouldn’t be upset over that news, some of the passes were good, some were bad; It is how it goes some days. In 11v11s Mac Jones would improve, he would complete six of his ten passes with a couple touchdowns one yet again going to newly acquired Patriots JuJu Smith-Schuster. Kyle Dugger would pick off Jones yet again. Bailey Zappe was very solid in the seven on seven drills, completing three out of four passes. Overall a great day from the second year QB. Matt Sokol the tight end was outstanding in Thursday practice. Sokol would have a contested touchdown catch thrown from Bailey Zappe during the seven vs seven drills. Zappe was great in 11vs11 drills as well. Completing six of his ten passes. The Patriots offense on day two was better than it was on day one.
The Defense was great yet again. The Pass rush from rookie Keion White was great, he would record a sack on day two. The rookie was on fire, pressure was almost every play. This is what we love to see. Kyle Dugger would have yet again another interception, big year for the Patriots safety. Rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez was great on the starting defense, one pass breakup and had some great reps vs veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Another name that was great was Jack Jones, despite being placed on the second team, Jones proved he deserves to be on the starting defense and would finish the day with two pass breakups.
The special team aspect was great! Rookies Chad Ryland (Kicker) and Bryce Baringer (Punter) would show their strong legs near the end of camp. Ryland was five for five on FG attempts and Bryce Baringer was hitting punts that were traveling 55-70 yards with a great amount of hangtime. Positive notes for both of the future special team stars.
Rookie Demario Douglas would get punt return reps and Rookie Isiah Bolden would get kick return reps. Both of the young players were fast, I mean very fast.
Post practice, Rookie(s) Ed Lee and Kayshon Boutte got some punt return reps.
Day three recap:
The Defense would win yet again on day three, however the offense would perform pretty solid. In seven on seven Mac Jones would complete three of five passes, One pass thrown to DeVante Parker who beat DB Marcus Jones for the touchdown. Bailey Zappe would perform well in seven on sevens completing two of his six passes one pass going to tight end Matt Sokol and one going to Rookie Demario Douglas. Heading into 11v11s Mac Jones would have a solid day today in session, completing five of his ten passes. One of the passes was hauled in by Tight end Hunter Henry on a 20 yard fade route. The Hunter Henry catch was covered by Adrian Phillps great defense, just a win from the big tight end. Iron Sharpens Iron. Second year quarterback Bailey Zappe would complete four of his eleven pass attempts during the 11v11 session. Demario Douglas would have a touchdown after burning defensive back Myles Bryant. Overall probably the best day from the Pats offense.
The defense has been great three days in a row Jonathan Jones and Christian Gonzalez would both have two pass breakups. Both the veteran and the rookie were on fire today. No catches allowed from the Rookie DB Christian Gonzalez, very good. Marte Mapu the rookie linebacker and safety would see safety reps in the 11v11 session of practice. Mapu is a very fast player that plays with heart. Keion White would have a sack today, the Patriots seem to have another great pass rusher in Keion White.
The special team unit would switch on day three. Veteran(s) Nick Folk and Corliss Waitman would see time both doing kickoffs. Folk would connect on seven of his nine FG attempts. We will see who the starting kicker is when it comes around, but overall a good day from the kicker and punter today.
Marcus Jones and Demario Douglas would see kick return reps today.
Karver’s notepad:
- Mac Jones’ connection with JuJu is solid.
- WR Separation is lacking as of right now
- Pierre Strong Jr, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Kevin Harris have been solid
- OLine is still in the “Process” Trent Brown has looked improved 100%
- Demario Douglas, Ed Lee, and Kayshon Boutte have shown flashes
- Douglas has been getting reps at KR, PR, and first team offense
- Rookies Christian Gonzalez, Keion White, and Marte Mapu have shown good traits
- Kyle Dugger is going to breakout this season (Two INTs)
- Isaiah Speed is great at KR (Very fast)
- Chad Ryland is a STUD (Five-Five on FGs)
- Bryce Baringer has a huge leg (55-70 yard punts)
- Corliss Waitman/Nick Folk solid at kickoffs
- Joe Judge has been helping with special teams
- Bill O’Brien is way more VOCAL (Great for all the younger guys)
More about the writer:
My name is Karver Jordan, I’m a high schooler who is writing in New England. I enjoy sharing my sports knowledge with everyone. My goal is to help get the fans to get a better understanding of Teams, Players, and more. If you enjoyed this piece of writing check me out on Instagram and Twitter!
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