The New England Patriots practiced behind semi-closed doors on Monday, moving their session into their Field House due to inclement weather. The conditions may have prevented fans from attending, but they did nothing to stop the competitiveness.
To recap the eighth practice of the summer, please visit our Patriots training camp notebook. In the meantime, here is who caught our eye during the two-hour session.
WR Mack Hollins: With other wide receivers drawing most of the attention early in training camp, Hollins had a relatively quiet start to his second summer in Foxborough. That changed on Monday, with the veteran taking center stage and leading all receivers in catches and touchdowns during 11-on-11s.
Working as a second-string option behind the starting trio of A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas, he hauled in five passes including three scores. It wasn’t just the numbers but more so the fashion in which the ever-flamboyant wideout produced: he caught the pass all over the field and won his matchups regardless of the route he was asked to run. He failed to haul in his lone end zone target from Drake Maye, but that was the only blemish on an otherwise solid day.
Other performances of note
WR Efton Chism III: Mack Hollins’ workout buddy made the most of his opportunities on Monday, including seeing some time with Drake Maye and the top offense in lieu of an injured Kyle Williams. He finished with three receptions in team drills, including an impressive high-point touchdown over Marcellas Dial, and also was part of the first kickoff returners duo alongside Terrell Jennings.
LB Chad Muma: With undrafted rookie Khalil Jacobs putting some pressure on veteran backups K.J. Britt and Chad Muma, the latter delivered a good performance on Monday. Not only did he see some action with the starters, he also had a pass breakup against Rhamondre Stevenson and looked good as a run defender, including on one quick stuff.
CB Channing Canada & CB Karon Prunty: With Carlton Davis remaining sidelined, the Patriots opted to give a pair of rookie cornerbacks some opportunities with the starters. Canada was particularly impressive, allowing just one catch on three targets and also winning a 1-on-1 against Romeo Doubs. Prunty, meanwhile, provided some good coverage on a fade intended for A.J. Brown.
CB Kindle Vildor: Entering training camp, Vildor looked like a candidate to challenge for the CB4 spot. However, not only does Charles Woods seem fairly secure in that position, the youngsters have also started taking some reps from him. To make matters worse, he also was beat by Mack Hollins on a fade touchdown. Not the best day for the veteran.
Other players worth mentioning include A.J. Brown, who was competitive despite dislocating his thumb during a 1-on-1 drill. Furthermore, Kayshon Boutte had some positive moments again, as did rookies Dametrious Crownover and Quintayvious Hutchins.
The Patriots will hold their ninth practice of training camp on Tuesday. If the conditions allow for spectators, the gates will open at 9:15 p.m. ET. Practice is scheduled to kick off at 10:15.
