7/31/07
Offense rolls; Tuesday evening notes
By Andy Hart, Patriots Football Weekly
The Patriots continued training camp with a full-pads workout Tuesday evening in which the passing attack clicked as well as it has all camp making life difficult on the New England defense.
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The offensive roll cruised into the final team segment of practice with few balls hitting the ground and seemingly fewer getting broken up by defenders. Practice closed out with a two-minute session with the more experience players on one field and the younger players do battle on the other practice field. The Brady-led passing attack on the experienced field once again showed the consistent ability to move the ball and find the open receiver.
Overall the offense seems to be ahead of the defense a bit at this point, somewhat unusual for this point in camp especially considering the new faces that litter the unit. At the very least that was certainly the case as the offense soared through the evening work. But regardless of the intra-squad competition that went the offenses way Tuesday, the progress for the team as a whole from the morning to evening session is likely the most encouraging thing for Belichick’s team. He sought improvement and seemed to get it. And at this point in the preseason such small accomplishments are what it’s all about.
Play of practice: Matt Cassel found Reche Caldwell for a nice long connection down the middle of the field.
Caldwell hauled the ball in while falling to the ground, beating a jumping James Sanders and Tory James in coverage.
Who’s hot:
Kevin Faulk – The versatile running back shines just about every time he steps on the practice field. He’s looked quick and shifty in camp running the ball and made one of the best catches of the week beating Tedy Bruschi down the left sideline on Monday. Tuesday the 31-year-old continued to roll through the workouts with the up-beat energy of a back half his age. He could get the Who’s hot nod just about any day of the week.
Who’s not:
Larry Anam – Life as rookie free agent is never easy. But the Boston College alum has struggled mightily at times in pass coverage and hasn’t looked much better in his special teams duties. Tuesday evening he looked a bit lost as a gunner trying to down a plus-50 punt at the goal line. An undrafted player getting beat by some very talented receivers is one thing, struggling to down a punt in a drill is another. Anam needs to pick things up if he’s going to make Eagles fans proud.
Practice notesThe seven PUP players (Troy Brown, Chad Jackson, Eddie Jackson, Mel Mitchell, Richard Seymour, Donte’ Stallworth and David Thomas) were among those not in attendance for the evening session. Also absent were Asante Samuel (missing his eighth practice) and tight ends Kyle Brady and Garrett Mills. … Robert Kraft took in the early portion of the evening workout. … The Patriots have been working “more in situational areas” Belichick said. Tuesday that included red area work. … Tom Brady didn’t throw at all during the morning session, but Belichick said Brady’s current workload “is about the same as it’s been the past couple of camps.” Brady took his normal passing reps in the evening practice and was as sharp as he’s been all camp. … A reminder to all Patriots fans that voting for the team Hall of Fame runs through Wednesday night at midnight on Patriots.com. Fans can choose among 2007 finalists Stanley Morgan, Ben Coates or Ron Burton. … The Patriots will return to the practice fields for day six of training camp on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 for a single session.
