FOXBOROUGH – Five observations from the Patriots’ second practice on the opening day of training camp, which was held inside the Dana-Farber Field House:
1) Back-to-back full-pads sessions. Training camp is both a physical and mental grind and Bill Belichick had the team in full pads in both practices today, putting his club to the test right off the bat. The offensive linemen seemed to engage in more contact in this session, with a one-on-one blocking drill. In that drill, a cone was placed behind the linemen as if it was the quarterback. All five linemen would react at the snap, but only one was actually blocking a defender. The drill seemed to highlight the fact that coaches were trying to get the line its first taste of banging up front.
2) Tom Brady, Randy Moss & the long ball. After resting his arm in the first practice of the day, quarterback Tom Brady let it rip in the workout as the offense worked against nickel and dime packages. Brady tried three long passes to Randy Moss – one of which was completed down the left sideline for a touchdown. But the play looked to be a blown coverage, with safety Antwain Spann late in getting over to help rookie cornerback Terrence Wheatley, who had lined up across from Moss.
3) Fernando Bryant goes stride for stride with Randy Moss. In a passing drill against eight defenders, Tom Brady attempted a long pass to Randy Moss down the right sideline, but Moss was well covered by cornerback Fernando Bryant in the end zone and the ball fell incomplete. The play seemed to be a good indication that Bryant still runs well, as he was stride for stride with Moss – in full pads.
4) Tom Brady, Chad Jackson & communication. In one part of practice, the field was split in half. On one side, the receivers worked against the cornerbacks, while on the other side, the running backs and tight ends worked against the safeties and linebackers. The Tom Brady/Chad Jackson connection was off on successive throws, which led Brady to share a few thoughts with Jackson. It appeared the two were not on the same page.
5) Jerod Mayo follow-up. First-round draft choice Jerod Mayo participated in his first practice, and lined up in a sub package defense, as well as on the punt team. Mayo was treated by the team’s training staff at one point – perhaps after cramping up – as the practice continued.
ATTENDANCE NOTE: TE Benjamin Watson was present after missing the morning practice. ... TE Marcus Pollard and DL Richard Seymour were not present after participating in the morning practice.
Friday’s schedule: 11:15 a.m. Bill Belichick press conference; 2:30 p.m. practice
Mike,
I wonder if you could find out what happens during Bill Belichick's conditioning drill before training camp? I've heard bits and pieces and player's say it's difficult. Just wondering if he'd share what they do to pass his test.
Chad Jackson and Brady not on the same page - damn. I don't know who to blame on this one; Jackson has been in the system for two years and Brady has been vacationing all off season. This is the key to winning this year!
It has to be Chad fault, because, last year, when Moss, Welker, Gafany and Stallworth came, they were all on same page with Brady in couple months of traning camp. so, seems like problem is Chad. but, the good news is, it's a first day of practice.. and we still have more then month to figure out. I Am more worry about Seau and Law.. where are these guys..
Hi Sonny_Corlione and Pawan. I'd just mention that it was the first day of training camp, and there is a long way to go.
--Mike
if Chad Jackson is the key to winning this year we are deep trouble. the key to winning this year is our pass rush/coverage and the team's health through the season.
No Brady on the list this year. Is that the first time that's happened?
He's always won that award that I can remember.
To me that's out of the ordinary.
I know he has a beautiful super model to travel around with now but this is BIG BUSINESS. It's not a game.
Should more be made of this?
He's a father now, and he wants to spend time with his kid. Kudos to him! I have every confidence he'll be in prime condition anyway.
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