Training camp and practices can be a bit of a grind for teams. Facing the same opponents in live reps can become repetitive. Some teams opt to change this up by having joint practices. The Patriots and Commanders set up a joint practice ahead of their preseason matchup. This tends to get the juices flowing as players can go full throttle and not feel bad if the guy on the other side of the field looks bad. This was a particularly fiery practice and a great showing for the Patriots against an upstart Commanders team.
The Patriots offense shined against a Commanders defensive unit that has high expectations. Drake Maye looked the part of quarterback making the leap, going 10-0f-12 through the first four 11-on-11 periods against the starters. Maye moved the ball throughout the offense well, hitting a variety of targets throughout practice including Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Hunter Henry and TreVeyon Henderson during the day.
His favorite target was DeMario "Pop" Douglas, who was targeted early and often in the joint practice. One reason was that Stefon Diggs was absent for the first part of practice (he later finished practice in red zone drills). Douglas took advantage of the opportunity, though, and there was high praise for Douglas coming out of Wednesday's practice, including from his quarterback.
"“Pop, I think he’s tough to guard. You see it in the little crossing routes and little quick moves when he’s meeting a defender face to face. I think all year, it’s our job to get him open in space and let him run with the football.”"Drake Maye (h/t @ByMarkDaniels)
Having your quarterback talk about getting you the ball during camp is a major win. This continues to build upon Douglas's success last year, even with the Patriots' lackluster passing game in 2024. Douglas had a semi-breakout year and was the team leader in catches, second in total yards, and had a 76% catch percentage. Douglas has already proved to be a favorite target of Maye and only appears to be building upon that this training camp.
Taking it a step further was Taylor Kyles of CLNS Media, who went on to say that "DeMario Douglas looks like the wide receiver number one." While that is high praise, many still expect Diggs to be the "unofficial" top receiver on the team, but it is nice to have options if Diggs struggles or faces injury.
In their first look against a different team this year, though, Maye and Douglas do appear to have a great connection. Douglas's speed and route running continue to make him difficult to cover, which should make him a target for Maye early and often this season. If they're able to do that, it's one more step to the Patriots returning to their winning ways.
Douglas seems cautiously optimistic about his potential in this year's offense. When asked if his and the team's performance was "a preview of what is to come this fall," he could only reply with "I pray." He's not the only one. There are plenty of Patriots fans out there praying for this team and Douglas to continue to build upon this offseason's gains.