FOXBOROUGH — Real football was back for the first time as the pads went on. There was a decided uptick in urgency and intensity.
Let's get to it:
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
They crammed a lot into 105 minutes: After having a leisurely pace to the first two non-padded practices, the Patriots got a lot of work done under a blazing sun. While there was an emphasis on the running game -- because you can't simulate that kind of work in shells (passing you can) -- there were still some passing drills, the punters got work, there were several blocking drills, and there was a new special teams period late in practice where various stations worked on specialized techniques in special teams (blocking punts and field goals, etc.). Still, some of the players had to be prodded to pick up the between-session pace. An audible "MOVE YOUR ASS!" could be heard from one of the coaches at one point.
Deatrich Wise set the tone: On about the second snap of half-line running drills (there were two sets of offensive lines — left side and right side with centers — and they took turns with running back carries), Deatrich Wise shed a block and absolutely put Jeremy Hill on his rear end, cleats up. Wise also had a good day in the one-on-ones.
Sony Michel fumbled again: That's twice in three days for the first-round pick out of Georgia and it's going to continue to be a concern until it's not for a player Michel averaged a fumble on every 54.6 carries in college, where the average was 124.5 in this year's draft.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
Non-Football Injury list: WR Darren Andrews, WR Cody Hollister.
- I thought the three most impressive players were Langi, Atkins and Wynn, followed closely by Wise (most dominating) and Brown.
- Langi has been invisible in practice, but this is where he showed up last training camp and started earning himself more time. He might have the quickest first step on the team and then he's relentless with countermoves. He never stops. He made Cannon look bad, which isn't easy.
- Atkins was the biggest surprise of the day. I'm going to have to watch him more in practice.
- Wynn looks puny out there but he's got great balance and keeps moving his feet. He reminds me a bit of Brian Waters, which I know is high praise but that's what I see.
- If Wise can lock out his arms or swat your hands down, you're in big trouble. Good day for him.
- Brown doesn't look like much at all, but he very much gets the job done. Patriots might have a steal there. I'm still trying to figure out why the 49ers basically just gave away a starting tackle, let alone one that looks like he can play left tackle. Jimmy Garoppolo make-up?
- Butler is not going anywhere soon. Still is a whirling dervish on the inside.
- Rivers was OK, but didn't flash much.
- It's now apparent why Clayborn is being lifted in sub for Wise — Clayborn isn't going to bring much in the pass rush.
- Of the starting offensive linemen, Andrews had the toughest time. Couldn't anchor and hold his ground.
- All punts came from the minus-35 yard line.
- A better day for Allen, but Bojorquez still had a better day and eliminated the shank he had.
- If you take out the shank, Bojorquez leads to date 4.61 to 4.15.
- We got a better look at the directional punting because they were dealing with a half field. I would say Allen did a slightly better job with that, but it wasn't pronounced.
- It was interesting later in practice to see Stephen Gostkowski working with Bojorquez and giving him tips on holding for field goals. Obviously, this is an important part of the competition.
- Play of the day came during red zone between the first-team offense and defense when Tom Brady tried to pinpoint Rob Gronkowski on a fade down the left sideline, but it was broken up at the last second by Patrick Chung. Wise ran all the way over to congratulate Chung and on his way to the sideline, Bill Belichick held out his hand and gave Chung five. Not sure I've ever seen that before.
- Jordan Matthews showed good concentration beating Stephon Gilmore on a slant and then recatching the pass that initially popped into the air. Brady gave Matthews a high-10 and a headbutt to celebrate.
- Some interesting positional rotations. Elandon Roberts was not in the defense on every down. It was usually Dont'a Hightower as the Mike with Kyle Van Noy in base and big nickel. Roberts came on in subpackages.
- Adrian Clayborn was being removed in subpackages for Deatrich Wise, which allowed Trey Flowers to go back to his preferred RE spot. Adam Butler would replace Malcom Brown in sub.
- Duke Dawson showed up as the slot corner with the first team.
- The second-team defensive line was, from left, Derek Rivers, Keionta Davis, Danny Shelton and Wise.
- Belichick made the offense and defense run after different plays. He was making a point about "penalties and turnovers."
- Jeremy Hill definitely staked a claim to being the short-yardage/goal-line back with some nice push.
- Michel had an impressive run where it looked like he would be stopped in the backfield but he kept his feet moving.
- Matthews was scolded earlier in practice by receivers coach Chad O’Shea for something, but other than that, he was pretty good this morning.
- Marcus Cannon stayed on the field but he gave way to LaAdrian Waddle at right tackle midway through practice.
