Tom Brady throws during the night practice inside Gillette Stadium. (AP) |
FOXBOROUGH – Five observations from the Patriots’ 17th training camp practice, which was held tonight inside Gillette Stadium (6:30 p.m.) for season-ticket holders and Foxboro residents who filled the lower bowl of the stadium from sideline to sideline:
1) High-tempo workout. One of the first aspects that stood out from tonight’s workout was the high tempo. That seemed to be a clear focus, the idea of playing fast at as close to a game-like speed as possible. For example, as the offense warmed up early in the session, the players followed up the play by sprinting down the field. Even the players who were not part of the play sprinted down the field as well. In 11-on-11 work, coaches could been using signals on the side, as if it was a game-like situation and substitutions needed to be made. There was a clear urgency.
2) Jonathan Wilhite tended to by trainers. Toward the end of practice, in 11-on-11 work, the Patriots were focusing on game-ending situations. The scoreboard showed that it was third and 15 from the 15 yard-line and quarterback Tom Brady dropped back to pass and launched a delivery to the back left-hand corner of the end zone (open side of the stadium). Wes Welker had been crossing from right to left in that direction, trailed by cornerback Jonathan Wilhite. The pass sailed just out of Welker’s reach, and Wilhite appeared to pull up. He was immediately approached by members of the training staff. He attempted to jog it off and his health will be something to monitor going forward. He has been working as the third corner of late, primarily in the slot.
3) Quarterbacks make some bad decisions. As the tempo picked up, that seemed to test the quarterbacks a bit more in making quicker decisions. The results were mixed. In 7-on-7 work, backup quarterback Matt Cassel appeared to force a pass across the middle that was intercepted by linebacker Eric Alexander. It is possible that a receiver should have been in the area, but the pass simply hit Alexander between the 5 and 2 on his jersey, so there was a breakdown somewhere. Alexander also had another pick in 7-on-7 work, as rookie quarterback Kevin O’Connell rolled to his right and attempted to thread a short pass to receiver Ray Ventrone. It did not appear to be a good decision and Alexander was there to take advantage. It wasn't all bad, but sometimes one bad mistake can erase a string of good plays, and those two throws would seemingly be ones that both quarterbacks would want to have back.
4) Strong leg for Stephen Gostkowski. With practice in the stadium, it was natural that the kicking game would be a high priority. In-stadium practices often offer the best simulation for game-like conditions for kickers, and Stephen Gostkowski was really whipping his leg through the ball. From our view, he did not miss a field goal in the session, hitting from a long of 44.
5) Special teams a big focus in practice. With the Patriots preparing for Thursday's preseason opener, it was no surprise that seemingly every special teams unit was called upon at some point in practice. With as many as 80 players on the roster, keeping things organized from a special teams perspective can be a challenge for all involved -- coaches and players. Seemingly ever special teams unit was called upon -- kickoff return, punt return, punt coverage (in addition to punting out of the end zone), field goal, and field goal block -- at various points throughout the session.
Kelly Washington runs with the ball. (AP) |
EXTRA POINTS: In addition to the remaining PUP players, those not in attendance included cornerback Jason Webster, running back Sammy Morris, safety James Sanders, safety Rodney Harrison, running back Kyle Eckel, right tackle Ryan O’Callaghan, left tackle Matt Light, and tight end Marcus Pollard. … Randy Moss made a dazzling catch under the goal-posts in 11-on-11 situational work -- reaching up to snare the ball while moving from right to left -- although back at the line of scrimmage linebacker Pierre Woods probably would have sacked Tom Brady had the defenders been able to bring down the quarterback. … Rookie Matthew Slater drew a reaction from the crowd for an explosive burst on a kickoff return drill. … Cornerback Fernando Bryant had an interception of a short Matt Cassel pass intended for Kelley Washington in 7-on-7 work. … Cornerback Mike Richardson also batted away a pass in 7 on 7 work as the cornerbacks continued to generally be around the ball. … Chris Hanson mis-hit a punt from deep in his own territory. … Defensive end Richard Seymour batted down a Tom Brady pass at the line of scrimmage in 11-on-11 situational work.
Tuesday’s schedule: The Patriots have one practice (2:30 p.m.), and it is open to the public.
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Does anyone know where the heck Ben Watson and Matt Light are ?!?!
Good to see Seymour back out there. Hope this does not mean he takes the next week off in practice.
Also, nice to see Brady back out there. Anyone think he will play on Thurs night ?
Mike in the "old" days of training camp players would sleep at the dorms of Bryant College. Now that the camp is at the stadium, what are the living arrangements of the team?
Has the shift, if any, made it easier or more difficult for the coaching staff to handle team and individual meetings?
Watson was there last night and looked very good. I was surprised that Matt Light was not there. I did not see Vrabel, but it sounds like he was there.
There seemed to be a lot of focus on receivers who are on the bubble. Slater's return looked very impressive so I think he has a shot.
Hanson was having a very bad night from what I saw him. He shanked three that I remember.
It was a good night. Can't wait for the season to start!
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