The best part of me going to camp today was that I was able to find my car on the way out this time.
Things that stuck out to me.
They had pads on, but it wasn't much of a hitting day. The thing that stood out to me that the focus of the practice was TEMPO. There was a lot of running today in this practice. Things moved at a lot faster pace than on Sunday.
BTW- It was more crowded today than Sunday, imo
1. Berrios needs to give his #14 to Meyers. This kid got a lot of run today. He's not going to run by anyone but his hands are special and he competes for 50-50 balls very well. As you have already read, he was pretty much anointed player of the day, and I'd have to agree. He was the best receiver of the day.
2. I watched JWilliams closely most of the day, and I'm happier today than I was on Sunday. He's better in man than in zone. He competed well on the one on ones allowing just one catch on an in cut that he made very competitive. BTW- the offense SHOULD win on in cuts. I can see him carving out a role covering TE's in man coverage as a situational player. He did a nice job on Harry most of the day.
3. Speaking of Harry. His success is going to be determined by Brady being willing to throw to him when he's covered. He is NOT going to be a guy who can create separation on his own....at least not now. However, as he showed today, he's going to win more than his share of 50-50 balls.
The other thing I noted about Harry is that he is an aggressive and tenacious blocker. He's not afraid to mix it up with the LB's
4. Brady has spent most of his 20 years NOT throwing to covered receivers. Up to now, back shoulder throws has not been one of his best throws. As of THIS point, if he is going to get the most out of Harry, that will have to change.
5. Nice to see Wynn working with the one's early in practice, but that ended about half way through. The difference between Wynn's foot quickness and Skipper's is significant.
6. The coverage ability of our CB's is the best I've ever seen and that goes 3 deep
7. Hard to get a read on how the front seven is going to be configured because it seems like they keep moving people in and out so often its hard to get a read.
8. Michael Bennett is AWESOME. He's so quick off the ball. I think as an individual, he's going actually have more impact on the pass rush than Trey. As to the run game, that remains to be seen, though the DL stuffed the O twice on 3 time on GL runs
9. Danny Shelton looks much more comfortable and quicker on Defense. Put this under pure speculation, but if the Pats were to use him as an gap rusher to create inside pressure, he might be more effective than Adam Butler and put Butler's spot in jeopardy.
10. JCollins seems to be making more plays every practice. He is rounding into the same kind of player that he was in 2015 (all pro)
11. Having the D run 3 GL plays against the offense was fun and both sides enjoyed it. Take THAT Lance Johnson
12. Hard to think that the Pats are simply going to simply release 2 or three of those good DB's come September, when they might be able to get something in a trade.
People have a right to be excited about this defense. It might still start of slowly because THAT's what they do, but the additions of Collins, Pennell, and Bentley to go along with the rest of the returnees is going to be pretty good.
BTW- I would never trade JJones. He's the THill stopper.
