Patriots cruised to a 48-8 preseason win, but the standout story was the on-field work and early signal-calling drama. Drake Maye ran the offense with a poised, improvisational edge, threading a red-zone connection to Booty and bouncing back after a botched snap. He hustled through the scramble and kept tempo high as New England leaned into situational drills. Morgan Moses sat out some practice, Christian Gonzalez will travel but sit out, and Carlton Davis locked in with a clean pass breakup in coverage on Booty. Stefon Diggs provided a reminder of his boom-or-bust ceiling, flashing playmaking while also leaving a doorstep drop. With Josh McDaniels eyeing Monday’s session, fantasy players should monitor Maye’s rep count and the offense’s evolving rhythm ahead of Minnesota.

The New England Patriots held a walkthrough after their rigorous double practice, preparing for a joint session with the Washington Commanders. Notably, Carlton Davis participated in the walkthrough but did not engage fully. Christian Gonzalez was sighted on the sidelines, while Garrett Bradbury appeared with the starters, hinting at potential lineup changes. Jabril Peppers emphasized the importance of the upcoming practice against a seasoned playoff team, indicating the intensity and significance of competition.

The Patriots are under scrutiny as they attempt a significant turnaround on defense. While optimism surrounds the potential for a top-five finish in 2025, skepticism persists about their readiness to handle the evolving offensive landscape of the NFL. The team's success may hinge on the effectiveness of their young stars in coverage, such as Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, along with their interior rush led by Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. However, concerns linger regarding their ability to stop the run, which could be critical in the face of high-powered offenses.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Bill Belichick's defensive scheme. The key will be how aggressively they can deploy their pass rush and whether they can adapt to the new NFL offenses. A pivotal moment to watch will be their effectiveness against elite quarterbacks, which could define their season.

The recent transactions of the New England Patriots reflect a significant shift in their approach, spearheaded by new leadership under Mike Vel. The most notable signing is defensive tackle Milton Williams, who secured a record deal worth $56 million. This move signifies a departure from the conservative spending of the Belichick era, illustrating a commitment to revamping the team’s defense after a disappointing season.

The addition of key defensive players like Harold Landry and Carlton Davis aims to address a defensive unit that struggled last year. With Williams expected to take on a larger role, concerns linger about his previous limited playing time and run defense efficiency. The Patriots' strategy seems focused on fortifying their defensive line while navigating a shifting market for free agents.