Patriots Defense Forces 3 Picks in Day 2 Practice as Red-Zone Issues Persist
Updated
Updated · Pats Pulpit · Aug 20
Patriots Defense Forces 3 Picks in Day 2 Practice as Red-Zone Issues Persist
3 articles · Updated · Pats Pulpit · Aug 20
Summary
Marcus Jones grabbed 2 interceptions Thursday, including a tipped-ball return that could have gone for a pick-six, as New England’s defense answered after a back-and-forth first joint session with Philadelphia.
Pressure drove the turnaround: the Patriots’ blitz packages repeatedly disrupted the Eagles, limited Saquon Barkley’s rushing lanes and helped produce another late win from Elijah Ponder over Jordan Mailata.
Drake Maye still flashed with touchdown throws to Mack Hollins, A.J. Brown and later Romeo Doubs, but a late read to Brown became Riq Woolen’s long pick-six and his first end-game drive ended with Jalyx Hunt’s interception.
A.J. Brown remained the Patriots’ sharpest offensive weapon, beating Quinyon Mitchell for multiple scores in goal-line work and drawing a deep pass-interference flag early in team drills.
Saturday’s 7 p.m. ET preseason game at Gillette Stadium now follows two chippy joint practices, with New England still monitoring cornerback depth after Kindle Vildor was targeted on Philadelphia’s late touchdown drive.