Kicker Stephen Gostkowski, left, cools off next to long snapper Jake Ingram. (AP)
FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots concluded their morning practice (9:30) on the 19th day of training camp and were once again in full pads.
Here are a few observations from the session:
1) Le Kevin Smith takes the field … then is traded off it. Walking in to today’s practice, those in attendance saw Le Kevin Smith in full pads, standing with his teammates, before he was escorted down the stairway to the locker room. At first, it was thought that perhaps Smith was a victim of the heat. It was later learned that he had been traded to the Broncos. It is always interesting to hear/see how trades go down behind the scenes and this was a case where the deal must have been finalized this morning based on Smith’s presence at the start of practice.
2) Not all four-man line. One of the hot topics of camp has been the Patriots’ usage of the four-man line, as they played it almost exclusively in the preseason opener. The Patriots, who have been a base 3-4 defense in recent years, got away from the four-man line at times in this practice.
3) Jerod Mayo/Gary Guyton chemistry. Through the first 19 days of training camp, it’s been interesting to watch how second-year players Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton have developed a bond, both on and off the field. This morning was a practice where that 1-2 punch came to the forefront on the field as they spent some considerable time together in 11 on 11 work.
4) Heat challenges players. For the second day in a row, the heat challenged the players to remain focused. One noticeable change was that there wasn’t as much jogging and running between drills. When the horn sounded to signal the end of a certain part of practice, the players either broke for water, or walked to the next part of practice. Logan Mankins, who was carted off the field yesterday, was back at practice. Afterwards, he joked: "I'm alive and well."
5) Terrence Nunn dazzles on long pass. It might have been out of bounds, but regardless, rookie wide receiver Terrence Nunn turned in the best catch that I’ve seen to this point in training camp. It came in 11 on 11 drills, with Nunn sprinting down the left sideline, with Leigh Bodden in coverage and safety James Sanders providing help. Quarterback Brian Hoyer lofted a beautiful pass and Nunn went into a full-out dive to catch it right before it hit the ground. Regardless of whether it was out of bounds, the catch showed tremendous concentration and athletic ability.
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What did we get for LeKevin Smith? A fifth rounder I might guess, to give to Oakland?
That has to be a bummber for him. As much as I hope it goes well for Josh McDaniels, that is only hope and I wouldn't want to be traded there this year. It may be that he would not have made the roster here, however, so the Patriots did him a favor by keeping him under contract and sending him somewhere that will recognize his abilities.
Any idea what injury is keeping Welker out of practice/preseason action?
ditto on the Welker inquiry?
anything Mike?
Not sure on Welker.
--Mike
It's definitely a step-down, for a player going from New England to Denver. But it's not like you can rule Denver out of the playoffs....
stop sugar coating things...the Patriots recent draft history is spotty at best. The secondary has been hurting for years and we still don't know that it has gotten any better, now the LB corps and RB corps are big question marks. The O-line seems to have fallen off a cliff. BB might be starting down a Mike Shanahan path...
Nunn had the catch of the game in the pre-season opener too. [13:56 left in 4th Quarter] It would be interesting to see him with the starters for a few plays...
#6--you are deluded--this team is DEEP, talented, experienced and with a solid blend of youth--the NEP went 11-5 with a backup that hadn't started a game since HIGH SCHOOL last season and have a combined 116-45 record under Coach Belichick.
Man--that post of yours is simply horrible...
@ adx --
Agree about Nunn's catch. A really low fastball, IIRC. Against close double coverage. Doesn't really matter who threw it or who was defending, Nunn came up with it for 16 yards. And I think he will get some 1st quarter reps against Cinci.
archskier, Your a funny guy. Enjoy the skiing and archery. We gonna get some football here, Patriots football! You should read Mike's take on how the drafts have a way of turning out just fine for the Patriots. The Hoodie is here forever dude. Fear the Hoooodie....
I really like terrence nunn from seeing him and from what ive read. i was at practice the other day in the friends and family section and as he was walking by i called out to see if he could sign something for me. he looked genuinely surprised that i knew his name and number. he was a real nice guy, really hope he makes the team and can keep on with the great catches
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