FOXBOROUGH – Five observations from the Patriots’ 18th training camp practice, which was held in full pads today on the upper practice fields (2:30 p.m.) behind Gillette Stadium:
1) This is the time for the backup quarterbacks. With Patriots coach Bill Belichick noting this morning that the Patriots were in transition – from a training-camp focus to a game-specific focus – it was notable that top signal-caller Tom Brady wasn’t on the field today. That left all the repetitions to Matt Cassel, followed by Matt Gutierrez, then rookie Kevin O’Connell. Based on this, it wouldn’t be surprising if Brady does not play Thursday night. None of the backups have seemed to distinguish themselves at this point. In half-speed 11-on-11 work in the red zone, Gutierrez tried to fire a pass into tight end Marcus Pollard along the right side, but he was intercepted by safety Antwain Spann, who showed nice hands on the play.
2) Game preparation, drills at half speed. Unlike Monday night’s in-stadium workout, the tempo of this practice was slower. The focus of the session seemed to be on running the plays that will be called in Thursday night’s preseason opener. There was little, if any, contact. Coaches could be heard calling on different packages, and it was on the players to be on their toes to take the field when their package was called upon. Bill Belichick-coached teams are generally well prepared, and this was a practice that reflected some of the preparations which are normally behind the scenes.
3) Defensive backs continue to get deflections. In 7-on-7 work in the red zone – which was not at full speed -- rookie cornerback Terrence Wheatley batted away a Matt Gutierrez pass intended for receiver Jabar Gaffney in the back right-hand corner of the end zone. In 11-on-11 work in the red zone – which was not at full speed -- cornerback Fernando Bryant tipped away a pass intended for receiver Chris Dunlap in the back left-hand corner of the end zone. The team’s defensive backs have consistently been around the ball in camp.
4) Lot of offensive line shuffling. With 12 offensive linemen at practice, but with veteran John Welbourn not a certainty to play Thursday night, the Patriots were mixing and matching mostly with 11 players to create different combinations up front. This is an area where the team would seemingly like more depth, so they must create it by playing linemen at different spots.
5) Hanson aces situational punting. At one point in practice, the Patriots were focusing on the punting game. Chris Hanson was working with a shorter field, so he was attempting to pin the ball inside the 10. On his final two attempts, the ball hit inside the 5 and stayed in the field of play. Nicely done.
EXTRA POINTS: Rookie cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, who appeared to pull up in Monday night’s practice, was not present for today’s session. … In addition to the PUP players, others not in attendance: Tom Brady, Kelley Washington, Jason Webster, Sammy Morris, Mike Richardson, James Sanders, Rodney Harrison, Kyle Eckel, Matt Light, Ryan O'Callaghan and Randy Moss. … Chad Jackson and C.J. Jones took the punt returns, with Matthew Slater and LaMont Jordan back on kickoff returns. … Rookie tight end Jonathan Stupar had a noticeable drop on a short delivery from Matt Cassel in 11-on-11 work. … On the flip side, receiver Ray Ventrone had a nice grab across the middle in 11-on-11 work.
Wednesday schedule: The Patriots have a walkthrough leading into Thursday night’s preseason game. It is closed to media members and the public.
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