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August 14, 2007
Day 15, 1st practice
FOXBOROUGH -- Here are five observations from this afternoon's practice:
1) Maroney shifts to higher gear. Although he is still wearing a red, non-contact jersey -- and did not take place in a physical inside running drill -- Laurence Maroney is increasing his workload and absorbing some minor contact. "I’ve been doing a bit more contact and it’s just feeling real good," Maroney said after practice. From a pure speed standpoint, Maroney looks excellent.
2) Miller's frustration shows. Veteran punter Josh Miller, who is being pushed by youngsters Danny Baugher and Tom Malone, seems to be a bit frustrated by the way things are unfolding. Miller did not punt in Friday's preseason opener and hasn't done all the holding in practice. How does he feel about his performance in training camp? "It's been OK. I'd rather get a chance to do it in a game, but as far as getting ready to play, I'm ready. ... I have no answers. I don't know when I'll be in there. All I know is that I'm healthy and ready to go. That's all I got."
3) Stallworth takes on more. Receiver Donte' Stallworth took on his most expanded full-pads, on-field work since coming off the physically unable to perform list. He was a regular presence in three-wide sets and quarterback Tom Brady was finding him early and often as the two continue to develop a rapport. "It's getting there," Stallworth said after the practice. "I've just been out here for a few days and trying to do as much as I can, staying in his ear. He's a great communicator."
4) Exchange problems. The overall practice wasn't as sharp as most other workouts from training camp. In one stretch, the offense had back to back plays in which the quarterback-center exchange wasn't handled. It looked like rookie Mike Elgin was the center for a missed exchange with Tom Brady, while Russ Hochstein was the center for a missed exchange with Matt Cassel.
5) Defensive breakdown. The defense struggled getting the correct personnel on the field at one point, which cornerback Ellis Hobbs explained led to a full-unit lap around the field. Coaches Pepper Johnson and Matt Patricia also took the lap. As the leader of the defense from the MIKE inside linebacker spot, Adalius Thomas spent some one on one time with Bill Belichick after the breakdown, talking things over. The overall practice lasted a bit longer than normal as the overall mistakes extended the workout.
Posted By: mreiss | Time: 06:18:35 PM | E-mail | Link
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