Javon Baker impressed New England Patriots fans with his acrobatic, highlight-reel catch during training camp practice at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
But Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo had an issue with the play, specifically Baker’s ensuing celebration.
After the 2024 fourth-round pick won his 1-on-1 rep against cornerback Mikey Victor — a fade route down the sideline which led to an over-the-shoulder catch — Baker rose to his feet and chucked the ball in the air. Baker, who was trying to energize the crowd, was not tagged down by Victor and thus could have returned to his feet and ultimately scored.
“That right there is a fumble,” Mayo told reporters before Monday’s practice, per a team-provided transcript.
Mayo confirmed he doesn’t want to prevent players from celebrating their wins, but clearly wants to ensure competitive periods in training camp are treated like game situations. It’s part of the development process for Baker and the rest of the younger players, Mayo said.
“You don’t want to kill a guy for showing some type of energy and some type of passion,” Mayo said. “I encourage those things. You make a big play, it’s not just you, it’s the rest of the team. But also, there’s a way to finish the play. That’s what we really focus on in the classroom. We can’t do this; this is what we want. I think it’s important to get that across.”
Baker was a standout during the last two pad-less practices, but both the 22-year-old wideout and first-year head coach will agree there’s plenty of room to grow.
