FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots were in full pads for their season-ticket-holder practice inside Gillette Stadium tonight (6:30-8:30). Referees worked the practice.
Cornerback Jonathan Wilhite was one injured player who retuned to practice. He wore a red, non-contact jersey. On the flip side, cornerback Terrence Wheatley wasn’t spotted during 11-on-11 work.
Here are a few observations from the session:
1) Walter second in QB reps. In 11 on 11 work, quarterback Tom Brady was first to lead the offense, followed by Andrew Walter. Second-year man Kevin O’Connell was the third man in. When the Patriots acquired Walter, the feeling was that he could push O’Connell for the No. 2 job, but would most likely be slotted at No. 3. At this time, the Patriots appear to be giving Walter plenty of reps so he can learn the offense.
2) Plenty of wedge work. As expected, the Patriots devoted a good portion of the practice to special teams, specifically the kickoff return game. With the NFL rules changing this year – and teams no longer allowed to have wedges of three or more players – the Patriots worked on that aspect of the game under the watch of the officials.
3) Tom Brady picked off. Decision-making and accuracy are two hallmarks of Tom Brady’s game, but he was a bit off the mark at one point in 11 on 11 situational work, forcing a pass down the middle to Wes Welker. On the play, Welker was well covered, and safety Brandon Meriweather was the second man in, breaking on the ball for an easy interception. There appeared to be a miscommunication between Brady and Welker. Brady, who still looks like he’s getting comfortable in the pocket against a live rush, was one of the leaders in post-practice sprints.
4) Rob Ninkovich quick off the edge. In 11 on 11 work, outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich showed up with a few solid rushes – one time beating Nick Kaczur and another racing past Sebastian Vollmer. At 6-foot-2, 255 pounds Ninkovich doesn’t have the height the Patriots generally prefer at outside linebacker, but his quickness was noticeable tonight.
Comment
Permalink
Email
I was in attendance tonight. Other interesting notes:
* Ray Ventrone works out with all the wide receivers.
* Matt Slater works out with all the defensive backs.
* Tank Williams works out with the middle linebackers.
* I did not see Bruschi or Watson. Looks like alot of the veterns, those in the system for a bit, only have to practice once during two-a-days.
I also went tonight but I thought the one really noticeable things about tonight was how much work Julian Edelman is getting. He was part of every special team and was working with the first team offense. I had heard a lot about him through your notes and this was my first look at him. He looks like he could a big part of the system this year working in the slot. Another great selection by the pats scouting system and coaching staff.
mike,
should we be worried about brady's mental state when defenders start getting close to his knees? i am concerned that he will not be able to fully concentrate on the action downfield.
I do not take the number of reps Walter took as an indication that he will moving past O'Connell. Walter is the newest Pats QB and needs to get familiar with the playbook the most. His playing me is giving the coaches the chance to assess him
Mike, I did see Terrence Wheatley with Darius Butler before practice. I'm not sure where he disappeared to after that.
Thanks for sharing those thoughts Phil. ... Glad you noticed that Greg. I have been high on Edelman, but I've tried to pull back a bit because I think it might have been coming across as if I was hyping him ... Joe, I wouldn't be concerned about Brady's mental state. He is very tough. ... Mynameisbob, this is a great point. I wish I had thought of it before. I have altered my update to reflect that Walter is probably getting the reps so he can get more familiar with the offense. ... Kyle Cormier, I arrived a bit late and other reporters said they saw Wheatley, but I didn't notice him in 11 on 11 work -- on the field or on the sideline. Will keep an eye out for him today.
--Mike
@ Phil --
Interesting you should note Ventrone, Williams and Slater - three guys I'd hoped, during last year's camp, would each find a solid niche. How'd they look?
It's good to see Ninkovitch's speed as a pass rusher but it unfortunately highlights
Kaczur's shortcomings. I was hoping that Vollmer might be able to better handle that.
Maybe with more practice against Burgess and Ninkovitch, he'll improve a lot.
Brady will be fine. Not the first person to tear an ACL. He's going to have to get a couple times, but he will be fine. All this talk about QB's stinking the next year is not true... Carson Palmer had a 96 qb rating the next year and he tore his knee is Jan. Brady had an extra 4 months. Carson started from game one that next season.
hey Mike,
With Ninkovitch and Burgess now in the mix, do you see them both making the roster?....if Ninkovitch has the speed at OLB, could we see him at OLB and Burgess more at DE?....The roster to me all of a sudden got crowded, and trying to figure out how the Pats will use all these weapons should they keep them. Thoughts appreciated Mike.
Walter, if awarded the actual opportunity to play this year, will excell and turn heads in the process.
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
Patriots Twitter
ask reiss
Questions will be considered for Mike's mailbagbrowse this blog
by categoryINside Boston.com
possible acquisitions
at Westminster show