Offense working in the red

The Patriots were back at work Monday morning after a weekend off the field. The focus was the red zone with a variety of situations covered. The reps varied from just outside the red zone at the 25 and worked through the high and low areas as well.

Offensively, things started off well enough for Drake Maye & Co. But eventually the defense responded, and by the end of the day more often than not it was the coverage getting the better of things.

Maye was razor sharp to start in 7-on-7s, hitting Kayshon Boutte, Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas for touchdowns on consecutive plays. He then turned in one of the plays of the day when he connected with TreVeyon Henderson on a wheel route for a touchdown down the left sideline in 11-on-11. It was one of several catches on the day for Henderson, who has shown a propensity for getting open throughout camp.

“Coach [Josh] McDaniels does a great job with all of us in getting us in space, the running backs too,” Henderson said. “It was a nice pass from Drake, and it was nice to come down with it.”

Henderson appears poised for a significant role on offense as a receiver, something McDaniels has been able to utilize effectively through the years. His speed and route-running are evident every day, and he came out of Ohio State with a reputation as the best pass blocking back in the country.

Given those traits it would make sense for him to watch a film of some great pass-catching backs in Patriots history such as James White, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead and Kevin Faulk, but the rookie says he doesn’t limit his study to anyone in particular.

“I enjoy watching great backs in general,” he said simply.

In addition to the preponderance of passing, the offense also worked a bit on the running game. Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Terrell Jennings and Henderson all saw significant reps working with the first and second groups.

For Stevenson, who fumbled during Friday night’s…