FOXBOROUGH – Five observations from the Patriots’ 21st training camp practice, which was held today on the upper practice fields behind Gillette Stadium (2:30 p.m.):
1) Situational work highlights practice itinerary. Fans in attendance got a treat toward the end of practice, with Bill Belichick shouting out specific situations during 11-on-11 up-tempo, no-huddle work. The players were responding with urgency as Belichick called out different situations, with the coach’s voice loud enough for fans to hear. It was almost like having a play-by-play announcer setting the scene before each play. How seriously does Belichick take situational work? On one sideline catch by Randy Moss, which he initially ruled incomplete, he changed his mind based on instant replay. Of course, there was no replay machine out at the practice.
2) Tom Brady and Wes Welker on the same page. Often times, one hears how important it is for a quarterback and receiver to be on the same page. When that happens, the chemistry between thrower and catcher can be impressive to watch. That’s the way it was today with Tom Brady and Wes Welker in 11-on-11 no-huddle work. To watch Brady and Welker exchange hand signals and then execute without the benefit of a huddle is to see two players at the top of their profession. It was fine-tuned excellence. Welker had several nice catches in the practice, one up the numbers along the right side that went for a touchdown in 7-on-7 work (CB Jeff Shoate in coverage).
3) A chance to focus on the tight ends. A few drills in practice gave onlookers a chance to lock in on tight ends. In one-on-one blocking work, for example, the tight ends had to take on outside linebackers. Marcus Pollard stood up Pierre Woods to hold his ground on one play, while Jonathan Stupar (against Shawn Crable) and Benjamin Watson (against Mike Vrabel) had a more difficult time, unable to hold their blocks. In the passing game, both Watson (with Jerod Mayo in coverage in 11-on-11 work) and David Thomas (in 1-on-1 work, with Adalius Thomas in coverage) had nice catches -- Thomas's was with one hand. Thomas did have one uncharacteristic drop, but more than recent practices, the tight ends seemed to show up in a positive way.
4) Nickel package gets extensive work. The Patriots spent plenty of time in their nickel defensive package (5 defensive backs), which showcased the versatility of their linebackers – Mike Vrabel, Jerod Mayo and Adalius Thomas. Coaches often talk about the importance of getting off on the field on third down, and the Patriots seemed to be working on that quite a bit today.
5) Jeff Hostetler in the house to support his nephew, Jonathan Stupar. Former New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler was present at the practice, and spent some time on the field during the end of the session. Defensive line coach Pepper Johnson seemed particularly excited to see his former teammate. Hostetler was here to see his nephew, rookie free agent tight end Jonathan Stupar (Virginia).
EXTRA POINTS: After working at second-string right tackle in Monday night’s practice, John Welbourn was at second-string right guard for the duration of today’s session. … Safety James Sanders returned to practice from an undisclosed injury. He had been out since late July. Sanders was the only player who did not practice Monday night to return. … At one point in practice, the entire defense took a penalty lap (with linebackers coach Matt Patricia and defensive line coach Pepper Johnson joining the players). Second-string left tackle Barry Stokes also took a penalty lap for a false start. … Receiver Chad Jackson dropped a long pass down the left sideline from Tom Brady, after beating cornerback Ellis Hobbs off the line in 11-on-11 work. … Defenders had a few tipped passes at the line of scrimmage, with rookie outside linebacker Vince Redd getting one, and Vince Wilforlk/Richard Seymour in the area of another. … Cornerback Terrence Wheatley had two pass breakups. … Rookie free agent running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a nice run in 11-on-11 work, powering through a nice hole along the left side created by linemen Barry Stokes (left tackle), Ryan Wendell (left guard) and Dan Connolly (center). … Tom Brady delivered one of the highlights of the day, connecting on a long pass with receiver C.J. Jones in 11-on-11 drills. Safety Brandon Meriweather was in coverage and did not turn as the ball arrived. The ball seemed to be in the air for about 40-50 yards. ... Quarterbacks did not wear red, non-contact jerseys for the first time in camp.
Wednesday schedule: The Patriots have a single practice, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. The session is open to the public.
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Seems like an exciting practice to watch. As far as injuries, i hope the pats are just overly cautious with some guys.
There is no way Chad Jackson makes this team.
Jeff Hostetler would be a great example, especially given the point of the season, on how vital it is for second stringers to be prepared for when they are called upon. He stepped in and the Giants won a Super Bowl because he was so solid. He was also decent as a starter later in his career.
I remember a differen scenario a few years ago where someone on the Bills, a QB, hadn't looked at the playbook all week. As fortune would have it he did play in the game (poorly) and later admitted he did not know the plays.
Where is the right guard Steven Neal ...He left the Super Bowl because he got a boo-boo and didn't play...Now, a year later...is "Fragile Freddy" still on the p.up.list
a year later !!! He should ask the trainer if he needs an assistant ....All the time he's spent in there he probably knows that job better than the right guard position for the Patriots... Scarneccia should give the spot to Welbourne.....At least you can count on him being on the field of play....
Steve Neal pee in your cereal this morning, sonny olivar?
Sonny:
Clearly you dont pay attention much. He has played the last two seasons with an injured shoulder, and finally had off season work done on it. He also blew out his knee in the superbowl. So I guess just a shoulder and knee injury combined shouldnt be enough to keep him off the field...I mean, he should keep playing until he has a few concussions, right? Get a life Sonny, clearly you have never played the game, otherwise you would know that one cant play football with a hurt knee. Also, an offensive linemans upper body strength is key to blocking. Hmmm, so he cant use his legs to push off and move, and he cant use his arms to extend out and move pass rushers...so yeah, he should suck it up..........what a moron
what has been done to improve the offensive line?It wasn't just the Jints that showed up the O-line.So did the Ravens and Chargers last year. It doesn't seem as if the coaches are too concerned. As Red Sox manager Don Z. said as the Sox blew a 10 game lead in the 1970's to N Y, "I ain't concerned". The ny's caught the Sox and won the Bucky Dent Bowl. It appears the Patriots coaches "ain't concerned" about the O-line this year, either. What say you, fans? Billy Jim
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