Courtesy of the New England Patriots The Patriots offensive line faced a significant test this week in joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings and after two practices, the results were concerning. While quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes of brilliance and poise, his protection was often lacking, as the Patriots’ offensive line consistently struggled against a talented Vikings defensive front that might be the best in the NFL. By all accounts,…

Kickoff: The Patriots take on the Minnesota Vikings in preseason game number two today. After two joint practices with Minnesota, we will see the Patriots apply what they practiced in game action. Here are four things to look for in today’s second preseason game. 1st Down: How long will the starters play? One would think the starters will play at least a quarter, maybe even a half. After a rough…

Courtesy of David Berding/Getty Images The Patriots and Vikings kicked off their first of two joint practices on Wednesday in what was a competitive and energetic practice. The Patriots defense had a strong showing, while the offense had both impressive plays and some struggles, particularly with pass protection. We knew going in that the offensive line could struggle against the Vikings multiple defense. Patriots Defense Shines The Patriots’ defense set…

Prior to the first of two joint practice with the Vikings in Minnesota on Wednesday, Mike Vrabel met with the media. One question in particular from NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry drew an interesting response regarding Drake Maye’s leadership and leadership as a whole. We’ve all seen the Forged in Foxborough clips where Vrabel’s encouraging Maye to go celebrate with teammates or talk to them during a brief break. Vrabel…

Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings 1. Handling the Vikings pressure: Both quarterback Drake and the offensive line will have their hands full against the Vikings multiple defense. Old friend Brian Flores runs an aggressive, attacking defense which utilizes a lot of bluff and simulated pressure. Maye has to win in pre-snap with his decision making and adjust post snap when he gets a different look. He needs to be on…

After 14 training camp practices, a lot has transpired in terms of players stock rising and failing. Several veteran players in particular are on the bubble and could be traded or released before the start of the season. Here are some of the Patriots veterans being mentioned as potential cut or trade candidates: Kyle Dugger (S): Despite being a team captain and signing a significant contract last offseason, Dugger’s role…

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDanieks met with the media on Monday and as you can imagine, quarterback Drake Maye was one of the main talking points of the session. Maye has had a good camp thus far. He has had a couple of questionable practices if you will but so far, McDaniels is pleased in terms of what he has seen from the second year signal caller and the offense…

FOXBOROUGH – Before heading out to Minnesota on Tuesday for another important week, the Patriots had a more game-week like practice on Monday morning. It was mostly a walkthrough with some scout team looks, mirroring a few things the team might see against the Vikings, specifically defensively with Brian Flores running the show for Minnesota. Tuesday’s practice was closed to the public as training camp is technically over and we’ve…

FOXBOROUGH – Roughly 8,000 fans got to see the Patriots in pads for the final time on Sunday until the opener against the Raiders. And it wasn’t pretty if you were hoping for some of the offense New England showed in the first preseason game. With most of the practice geared towards red zone work – as Mike Vrabel said would be the case beforehand – the offense had it’s…

FOXBOROUGH – If you were lucky enough to be anywhere near the plaza outside The Hall in front of the lighthouse at Gillette Stadium on Friday evening, you know the feeling. It felt like the old days. The Brady buzz will forever be different. It’s probably what Chicago fans have whenever MJ comes around. Surrounded by family, friends and former teammates – including Ty Law, Lonnie Paxton and even Deatrich…