Joey Galloway hauls in a pass over safety James Sanders. (Jim Davis / Globe Staff)
FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots concluded their afternoon practice (3:45-5:15 p.m.) and players were in shorts and jerseys. This was the first non-pads, non-walkthrough practice since training camp opened.
Here are some observations from the practice:
1) Unhappy ending for 2-minute drill. The Patriots worked on their 2-minute package and it got off to a solid start when Tom Brady found Joey Galloway down the left side on a long bomb (Leigh Bodden and James Sanders the closest defenders in the area). An incomplete pass to Randy Moss followed, before Wes Welker scooped up a low throw for a completion inside the 10. It then looked like Brady found Kevin Faulk for a touchdown underneath, but linebacker Jerod Mayo knocked the ball away. Next play: Ill-advised Brady pass, intended for Moss under th goal posts, which was picked off by Brandon Meriweather. The third-year safety then did a little dance on the ground in celebration, spinning his body around and around.
2) Quarterback reps shaken up. It has been interesting to watch the Patriots divvy up the quarterback repetitions in recent practices, as it seems like rookie free agent Brian Hoyer has seen more time in recent days. My sense is that the Patriots have made it a priority to evaluate Hoyer a bit closer because they are considering adding a veteran presence. Hoyer was a bit erratic in today’s 2-minute work.
3) Defenders around the ball. Overall, I thought defenders were around the ball in this practice, being disruptive by either having tight coverage or getting their hands in and jarring the ball free. Rookie cornerback Darius Butler had a couple of breakups, one against Randy Moss, as he was competitive in coverage.
EXTRA POINT: Outside linebacker Vince Redd, who was waived by the Patriots on Sunday, has been claimed by the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Adam Caplan of Scout.com. The Chiefs' general manager, Scott Pioli, spent the last nine years in New England running the personnel department.
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MIke, why no attendance reports anymore?
Unhappy ending? I like the sound of the defensive side of the football stepping up in the red zone, God knows they couldn't last year.
Yea, I agree with Sock Monkey. Thats a happy ending! Brady can do that anytime, but defense needs to get playmakers.
This year I hope and believe Thomas, Mayo and Meriweather will step up.
Redd in KC. Sounds like they are creating NE 2nd team...
Redd should have far more opportunity in KC. Best of luck to him.
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