As training camp openers go, Wednesday was as eventful as we have seen in Foxborough in quite some time.
Crowds may not have been as large as they once were during the Tom Brady era, but the fans who did make their way to Gillette Stadium were treated to a flash of brilliance from the future of the franchise - quarterback Drake Maye.
During the team’s seven-on-seven period, Maye dropped back and threw a bomb down the right sideline to wide receiver Jalen Reagor. Reagor caught up to the ball and snagged it with one hand, walking into the endzone by the front pylon.
The crowd erupted. It was an awesome moment. Fans got a taste of what the future of New England football could look like for years to come.
But don’t expect a play like that to immediately skyrocket Maye to the top of the depth chart, as head coach Jerod Mayo told the media before practice that all quarterback reps for training camp are mapped out ahead of time. Before they even touch the field, coaches know how many throws each player will get, and which group of players they will be throwing to.
“Look, [Drake] will have his opportunities,” said Mayo. “So will Joe [Milton], so will [Bailey] Zappe, and obviously Jacoby [Brissett] - he’s our starter at this point. So he’ll have ample opportunity to go out there and prove himself.”
With Wednesday’s highlight throw, Maye took a step towards proving himself at camp.
“That’s what [Maye] does,” said safety Jabrill Peppers, who enters his third training camp with the Patriots. “Every practice since he’s been here.”
Also of note Wednesday was the presence of veteran defensive linemen Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux.
Both players have been vocal about wanting new contracts, as they will both play this season on the final year of their respective deals. Both Judon and Godchaux watched as defensive player after defensive player received new contracts all offseason long. They feel it’s their turn.
And in situations like these around the league, players have handled it by partaking in a “hold-in.” This is when a player who is unhappy with his current contract continues to attend team practices, but instead of practicing with the team, he works on the side, either solo or with players rehabbing from injury. But both players, on day one, decided to practice through the behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Judon made an unplanned appearance with the media after practice, and talked about his situation.
“I mean, I’ve got to [practice], honestly,” said Judon. “I signed the deal, my signature on it, so I’ve got to play on it.”
Judon said it’s “tough to not be envious or jealous” when seeing fellow defensive teammates in the building get their new contracts, but also made it a point to say he is “happy for those guys.” But Judon wants his, and he wants it to be with this organization.
“As much as everyone wants to see me stay around here for a long time, it’s really not up to me,” said Judon. “I’d pay myself a lot of money and just stay around here for a long time, but it’s not up to me.
“I hope I can play here this year. I hope I can continue to wear the red sleeves, continue to contribute for this defense, be a catalyst to one of the best defenses in the league since I’ve been here, and for a very long time. But if that’s not the case, that’s not the case.”
We’ll see if Maye’s play and Judon’s presence brings a larger crowd for day two on Thursday.
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