Patriots Daily: Maye Struggles; Props for Pats Trainer

There are going to be ups and downs for every NFL team. This holds true for players as well, especially rookies. Yesterday qualified as a down day for New England Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye. The top story coming out of camp on Monday was Matthew Judon leaving the practice field amid his contract unhappiness. It overshadowed a rough practice for Maye, who will look to rebound today.

Maye completed only 1-of-5 passes in 11-on-11 drills. He fared just as poorly in 7-on-7 play, completing 2-of-6 passes and throwing an interception to Kyle Dugger. Maye appeared to lack the confidence and poise on Monday that has helped him shine brightly in several previous sessions. The young QB will look to bounce back today and show he can quickly put a poor performance behind him.

Kay Adams at Camp

Kay Adams, the host of Up & Adams, was in Foxboro for Patriots camp yesterday. Among her interviews was New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo. The quarterback competition in camp was inquired about. Mayo indicated that the playing field is not exactly even. He stated if Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye are “neck and neck” the starting nod would go to the veteran, Brissett.

IF #Patriots QBs Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye are neck and neck at the end of preseason… who will HC Jerod Mayo give the Week 1 start to??? 👀🔊@Patriots @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/lSMNwIL96u

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 29, 2024

I’m willing to take this a step further and predict it doesn’t need to be “neck and neck” for Brissett to emerge as the Week 1 starter. New England faces a tough schedule to start their season. Their offensive line might need time to gel and see if they are up to the task of protecting the future of the franchise. Unless Maye wins the QB competition in a route, it would come as a huge surprise here if Brissett was not under center on opening day.

To check out the full coverage from the Up & Adams Show With Kay Adams, check out their YouTube channel.

Patriots Trainer Jim Whalen Acknowledged

Matthew Judon’s unhappiness and Drake Maye’s struggles grabbed attention yesterday, but the biggest New England Patriots story of camp remains the health issues of Christian Barmore. Not much is known at this time other than Barmore was diagnosed and treated for blood clots.

Yesterday, Barmore’s agent Nicole Lynn posted on X her appreciation for the work of Patriots head trainer Jim Whalen. He has been the Patriots head athletic trainer since 2002. Lynn thanks Whalen for “his absolute dilligence and care over the last couple of days.” It was a nice gesture by Lynn to give credit to Whalen for his work, a behind-the-scenes position that often goes unappreciated.

I would be remiss if I did not thank the Patriots’ trainer, Jim Whalen, for his absolute diligence and care over the last couple of days. Today could have looked a lot different without Jim’s persistent and expertise. https://t.co/Al6r2PDdpr

— Nicole Lynn (@AgentNicoleLynn) July 28, 2024

As previously stated on Patriots Football Now, there will be no speculation on the health or recovery of Christian Barmore until more information becomes available. For the time being, simply wish Barmore the best in his treatment and recovery.

Also in Tuesday’s Patriots Daily:

Patriots Fact of the Day

Christian Barmore’s 8.5 sacks in 2023 are a New England Patriots team record for a player primarily playing defensive tackle since the NFL made it an official statistic in 1982. “Sugar Bear” Ray Hamilton was unofficially credited with 9.5 sacks in 1977.

The franchise’s career record for sacks by a (primary) defensive tackle is officially held by Henry Thomas with 21.0. It is unofficially held by Julius Adams, who reportedly recorded 80.5 sacks from 1971-to-1987. Hall of Famer Richard Seymour finished his Patriots career with 39.0 sacks, though played a lot of defensive end in addition to his interior work. Barmore has 12.5 sacks through three seasons.

Post of the Day

Usually the “Post of the Day” is celebratory, but today’s goes to NBC Sports Boston for catching the sideline interaction at yesterday’s practice between Matthew Judon and Jerod Mayo:

Jerod Mayo appears to exchange some words with Matthew Judon who is not participating in practice today. Judon seen exiting the field after their conversation 👀 pic.twitter.com/BJvP64tnpS

— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) July 29, 2024

Patriots 90-Man Roster Spotlight: Daniel Ekuale– The defensive tackle returns in 2024 after suffering a season-ending biceps injury in 2023. Ekuale faces stiff competition in camp to earn a roster spot. He will be needed in action of Christian Barmore misses time.

Patriots Offseason Award Winners, Captains Preview? – New England gave 13 players awards for their offseason work. The group featured a mix of players. Patriots veterans, young players, and a pair of newcomers to the team were all honored. The 2024 team captains are likely coming from this crew.

Matthew Judon Perturbed at Patriots Practice – New England’s star pass rusher remains unhappy with his contract situation. He left the practice field yesterday after an exchange with his head coach (see Post of the Day). How Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo handle this situation is crucial to setting the groundwork for the team’s new regime.

Kelley: Patriots Shouldn’t Trade a First for Brandon Aiyuk – San Francisco’s star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is unhappy with his contract. The 49ers reportedly have no plans to trade him, but rumors persist. If New England makes an offer for him, their 2025 first round pick should not be part of any discussions.

New England Lands Mykel Williams in Early 2025 Mock Draft – The 33rd Team took an early stab at a mock for the 2025 NFL Draft. The New England Patriots picked No. 2 and took Georgia edge defender Mykel Williams. A look at Williams and the other top prospects who could wind up playing for the Patriots.

NFL Coverage

CBS Sports – Predicting former first-round players who will become legitimate NFL stars in 2024. These are from the 2021-to-2023 NFL Drafts and only players yet to make a Pro Bowl are eligible. Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was not listed, but the AFC East was represented by a Buffalo Bills player.

NFL.com – Denver Broncos executive John Elway is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. As a member of the front office, Elway cites passing on Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen as “probably my biggest mistake” while running the Broncos. The Broncos took Bradley Chubb at No. 5 before Allen went No. 7 overall to the Bills in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Steelers Now – Alan Saunders breaks down the “Winners and Losers” from Week 1 of Steelers training camp. One of their high-profile QB acquisitions was listed among the losers. The winners include two of the highest-valued picks in the 2024 NFL Draft (based on my rankings): WR Roman Wilson and LB Payton Wilson.

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now – Andrew Fantucchio reports that division rivals are threatened by the Boston Bruins. They haven’t brought home a Stanley Cup since 2011 but remain annual championship contenders. See what writers around the division have to say about trying to take down the Bruins.

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