Patriots face Flores defense in Minnesota

A joint practice against the Vikings challenges Drake Maye as he faces Brian Flores’ complex, unpredictable defense.

Patriots test Maye against Flores defense in Minnesota

The Patriots spent a lengthy practice at Minnesota’s TCO Performance Center facing Brian Flores’ defense, a unit known for shifting fronts, varied coverages and tight blitz packages. Patriots center Garrett Bradbury, a former Viking, described Flores’ approach as a test for offenses and noted that joint practices can feel chaotic if game plans are light. Maye was frequently pressured, and New England’s day included misplays such as Pop Douglas’ fumble and two Josh Dobbs pick-sixes, but the work also produced big plays when blocks held up and routes stayed clean.

Maye connected on a deep throw to Mack Hollins during 11-on-11 and later, in a dramatic two-minute drill, hit TreyVeon Henderson for a long score as an uncovered option. Bradbury praised Maye’s handling of presnap adjustments, saying the practice felt like the most confusing it will be all year but a valuable teaching moment. The session also featured ongoing conversations about health, with Carlton Davis attempting to return to activity after a period of limited work, and a light moment of community impact as Special Olympics athletes observed the field before a small exhibition game led by Maye.

This joint practice underscores how Maye is developing under a defense designed to expose a young quarterback. Flores’ chaos tests a quarterback’s reading, protection communication and ball placement under pressure. Growth appears visible in Maye’s ability to adjust protections and find openings when the defense loosens, but the day also exposes the learn-on-the-fly reality for a new offense trying to establish rhythm with a changing line and evolving play calls. The session is less about immediate results and more about building the mental reps that will matter in late-game situations and away-from-home games late in the season.

Energy and accountability became recurring themes, with Hollins highlighting the need for consistent effort and finishing plays. The practice offered a reminder that development happens both on the field and in the locker room, where presnap leadership and body language can smooth or complicate a game plan. The Vikings’ absence of Harrison Smith and other adjustments also shaped how New England evaluated its long-range readiness and the kind of competitive chops a rookie quarterback must demonstrate to earn trust from teammates.

Highlights

The field remains a proving ground and Minnesota is just the first of many tests ahead