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Patriots Kickers Struggle and Offense Stalls in Final Gillette Practice

The Patriots head to Minnesota for joint practices to test kicking performance, offensive clock management, emerging depth players.

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Overview

  • Both kickers combined to make just three of nine field-goal attempts in practice and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer said the job will go to the most consistent performer.
  • Drake Maye and the offense failed to establish a rhythm during 11-on-11 and hurry-up drills as pass protection issues and a delay-of-game penalty drew sharp criticism from coach Mike Vrabel.
  • A string of absences, including running back Rhamondre Stevenson and several defensive contributors, created opportunities for backups to fill key snaps ahead of joint practices.
  • Emerging fringe players like undrafted receiver Efton Chism and rookie tackle Marcus Bryant increased their reps and impressed coaches as they vie for backup roles.
  • Safety Kyle Dugger worked predominantly with the second team while veterans Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson held starting roles in the secondary.