FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots worked out in near 90-degree temperatures this morning, with high humidity. The weather conditions tested the players' conditioning, and no one in particular seemed to be lagging.
Here are five observations from the non-contact session, which was held in shorts, jerseys and helmets (no pads):
1) Tank Williams catches the eye. In passing work toward the end of the practice, safety Tank Williams ran stride for stride with running back Kevin Faulk and intercepted a pass near the sideline. It appeared to be excellent coverage by Williams, who turned at the perfect moment to snare the delivery from quarterback Tom Brady. The play drew a favorable reaction from fellow defenders, with Rodney Harrison charging over to Williams to congratulate him. The 6-foot-2 Williams, who is listed on the roster at 223 pounds but is probably closer to 230, is going to be a player to watch come training camp. The feeling here is that he is going to help the Patriots. As a contact-type player, it will be easier to assess Williams when the pads are on in training camp, but he projects as another Harrison-type player, with some flexibility between safety and linebacker.
2) Opposite ends of the spectrum for Matt Cassel. In passing work, backup quarterback Matt Cassel had one throw that he seemingly would like to have back, but then bounced back with one of the nicest throws in the entire session. The first delivery was an over-the-middle throw that was intercepted by cornerback Mike Richardson. It was difficult to tell if the throw was in the right spot and the intended target wasn't, but Richardson gathered it in with ease. Shortly after, Cassel came back with an impressive over-the-middle toss to tight end Marcus Pollard that was lofted over nearby defender Adalius Thomas before dropping right into Pollard's hands. It was nice accuracy and nice touch on the pass.
3) Punt returners have their hands full. As part of punt return work, the Patriots put their returners in a tough spot by making them catch deliveries with a football already in their right hand. It was an example of how the focus on these mini-camp practices is really more in the teaching phase than the evaluation phase. Along those lines, the coaching staff seems to feel good about the level of installation/teaching that has taken place at this point. The idea is to get the installation to a point where the club can practice in training camp with players being aggressive, not hesitant, so the work can be conducted at a competitive level.
4) A chance to assess the punters. With the session being held outdoors, it was a good opportunity to watch the battle between veteran punters Chris Hanson and Scott Player. Hanson is a left-footed punter and Player a right-footed punter. This looks like it could be a competitive situation. Based on today's work, Hanson appears to have a little more power in his leg, but the decision will likely come down to which punter is more consistent, specifically with hang time and situational punting, over a stretch of time. Another factor to keep in mind is that carrying two punters might be a luxury the team can't afford based on this year's new hard 80-man roster cap in training camp. If the club has more pressing needs elsewhere, it could force a quick decision at punter.
5) Practice attendance. The same nine players who were not present for practice on Friday were not there today. That group includes WR Kelley Washington, CB Ellis Hobbs, G Stephen Neal, OT Oliver Ross, WR Wes Welker, TE Benjamin Watson, ILB Bo Ruud, DE Jarvis Green and DL Mike Wright. In addition, TE David Thomas was not present for today's practice. All of these players are at Gillette Stadium, but are likely being held back due to something health-related.
