Sights & Sounds of Patriots Training Camp: Day 7
Kevin Stone shares his thoughts on day seven of training camp.
By Kevin Stone
FOXBOROUGH - The Pats were back in shells today after their first padded practice on Tuesday. Here’s what stood out on Wednesday…
-Jalen Mills arrived first and he was out there for quite some time before anyone else as well, at least 10 minutes.
-Mac walked out with the referees who were back in town despite no pads. Not a bad play by the kid to get the stripes on your side before you even play a real NFL down.
-Cam arrived a bit later than he had earlier last week, jogging onto the field at 9:26 to the roar of the crowd.
-Speaking of the crowd, it was another good size today but the energy just isn’t there.
-Before the team even stretched there was some light work and Sony Michel had to run a lap, drawing a “god dammit!” from a coach far too early in the morning.
-Old friend Scott Pioli was on hand, as was Vanderbilt head baseball coach and New Hampshire native Tim Corbin.
-It was a heavy dose of the running game today as all of them got plenty of work. Harris still finishes every single run hard whether he’s at his own five or the 50-yard line, he’s taking it to the end zone. I actually think Sony Michel has quietly been good too, but it should be Harris’ job.
-Both Mac and Cam started out throwing well on Wednesday, as Cam hit Agholor and Meyers with throws that were delivered quick in the first bit of 11’s. Mac hit a deep ball to Meyers his first throw but would’ve gotten smoked by Matt Judon on the next snap if it were live
-Cam had arguably his worst day of camp, throwing a pick early to Adrian Colbert.
-At one point following a period, Bill talked to Cam and Mac together on one end briefly while the rest of the team jogged to their next drills.
-The fans serenaded Kendrick Bourne with a ‘happy birthday” song prior to the start of 7’s.
-The very first throw of one 7’s period saw Cam get picked off by JC Jackson, the very next play Jackson broke up another pass and two throws later Cam airmailed Agholor downfield.
-Meanwhile, Mac’s 7’s session was almost perfect, methodically working downfield hitting James White, N’Keal Harry, and Kendrick Bourne The “drive” should’ve ended with a TD as he laid a perfect ball to White in the back corner but there was a DPI flag thrown.
-Speaking of Bourne and Harry they were both great on Wednesday, particularly Harry. During one later 11’s session, Bourne leaped up and caught a contested ball near the sideline, then Harry went full extension on a throw over the middle that was out in front of him, both of them from Cam.
-The music was up again for one of the final periods of 11v11 and Isaiah Wynn had to run a lap for a false start.
-Mac hit Henry on a quick crosser and then Bourne on a comeback during the session, it was a heavy day of reps for the kid, you’ve got to think it may have been to get his confidence up after Tuesday’s performance.
-It was a strong day for the defense as a whole and Jonathan Jones picked off Brian Hoyer late and almost added another the very next play. The secondary still needs Gilmore but just in case, they may be okay without him.
-Mac got picked off by Devin McCourty late after a ball tipped off Jonnu Smith’s hands. He probably could’ve had it but it was slightly high. D’Angelo Ross almost had one on the very next play but the ball hit the ground.
-Mac closed out his day with a fantastic deep post TD to Gunner Olzeweski, stepping up in the pocket and throwing an absolute dime.
-After practice, coach Belichick walked off the field all smiles with Pioli and Matt Patricia.
-The whole offense stayed out for a bit more work - about five minutes worth - following sprints on the hill.
The Patriots may be indoors on Thursday depending on the weather, but Friday night is the first of two in-stadium practices. There is a public one on 8/12 while Friday nightis for season ticket holders and Foxborough residents.