FOXBOROUGH – Five observations from the Patriots’ 12th training camp practice, which was held in full pads this morning (8:45 p.m.) on the upper practice fields behind Gillette Stadium:
1) First taste of full-contact goal-line work. At the end of practice, the Patriots ran six plays of full-contact work on the goal-line. The offense scored on four of the six plays – with the first unit offense (against first-team defense) going 2-for-3, and the second-unit offense (against second-team defense) also going 2-for-3. The top defensive play of goal-line work came when running back Sammy Morris was stuffed by defensive end Ty Warren on a run over the offensive right side. It was a compact formation, with two backs and two tight ends, and the defense won the battle. Tom Brady-to-Benjamin Watson and Laurence Maroney over the left side were the first-unit TDs. In second-unit work, linebacker Eric Alexander batted away a Matt Cassel pass to tight end Jonathan Stupar that was late arriving, while Morris and Kevin Faulk had rushing scores.
2) Defensive backs and deflections. Defensive backs continue to get their hands on footballs, which has been one of the more encouraging early storylines of camp from a Patriots perspective. Two more examples of this came in practice, with cornerback Fernando Bryant running stride for stride with receiver C.J. Jones up the left sideline, turning his hips and shoulders as the ball arrived from quarterback Matt Gutierrez, and batting it away. Rookie cornerback Jonathan Wilhite also had a pass breakup of a long Kevin O’Connell pass to Jones over the middle. In his post-practice press conference, Bill Belichick made the point that execution in the secondary has been as good as any other unit on the field through the start of camp.
3) Protection seems to pick up. In 11-on-11 work, there were a few examples of how dangerous any quarterback can be – but especially Tom Brady – when there is time to throw. The overall protection seemed to be solid in this session (perhaps a result of a less aggressive defensive scheme). The first-unit offensive line was Nick Kaczur (left tackle), Logan Mankins (left guard), Dan Koppen (center), Billy Yates (right guard) and Ryan O’Callaghan (right tackle). O’Callaghan’s athleticism stood out on one play, as he moved laterally along the line before exploding into a running hole. On the flip side, outside of the goal-line drill, there don't seem to be many holes up front in the running game.
4) Why Tom Brady is such a respected leader. Leadership comes in many forms, and quarterback Tom Brady displayed one reason this morning as to why he is respected in the team’s locker room. When an exchange with center Russ Hochstein was not executed properly, and the football was on the ground, Brady took off for a full lap around the practice fields, with Hochstein following him. When a player makes a mental mistake in practice – such as a false start, or jumping offside – he is required to run a lap. When the top player on your team doesn’t hesitate and simply starts making his way around the field, it’s a reflection of strong leadership. On the flip side, one might wonder why Brady and the center are having trouble with the snap in the first place.
5) Position coaches contribute in other areas. It is interesting to watch how the assistant coaches work throughout the practice, such as today when the Patriots worked on their kickoff return. While special teams coach Brad Seely oversees the overall drill, running backs coach Ivan Fears spends time with the two returners. The Patriots have Chad Jackson, Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, Matthew Slater, Kevin Faulk, C.J. Jones and Terrence Wheatley as returners. Slater, in particular, seems to have a knack for the return spot, combining instinct and acceleration as the hole opens.
EXTRA POINTS: Quarterback Tom Brady returned to practice after having yesterday’s lone session off. … Tight end David Thomas remained out, as did left tackle Matt Light, cornerback Jason Webster, safety James Sanders, offensive tackle Anthony Clement, and outside linebacker Vince Redd. ... Receiver Randy Moss made a nice catch in red-zone work, keeping his concentration as he almost an into the padding below the goal posts. Safety Rodney Harrison was the nearest defender. … Running back Laurence Maroney stepped up and stonewalled linebacker Jerod Mayo in one-on-one pass-blocking work. … Rookie offensive lineman Ryan Wendell, who opened camp on the PUP list, practiced for the first time. ... Rookies “worked” on a fumble drill at the start of practice that included a hose, as they were drenched by linebacker Tedy Bruschi as they slid across the field – a yearly ritual of camp. … Belichick noted that he hasn’t coached a player in his career who has practiced as hard as Rodney Harrison does. … Belichick said preparations for the first preseason game will begin Sunday night. … Patriots players are off tomorrow. There is one practice Saturday (2:30-4:30 p.m., but it is closed to the public due to the Bruce Springsteen concert at Gillette Stadium) and Sunday (2:30-4:30 p.m., open to the public, weather permitting).
What time is John Lynch due in Foxboro?
lol, my thoughts too, LA.
hmm, the guy is harrison without coverage skills. Why do you think Denver stopped putting in nickel and dime packages. I think Bill will pass, unless we lose 2 DBs.
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