FOXBOROUGH —Practice No. 8 is in the books, let's run down all you need to know with BSJ insight and analysis:
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Isaiah Wynn takes 11-on-11 reps: After being solely an observer whenever the defense came onto the field, the former first-round pick finally took part in 11-on-11 drills today. Even though there were no pads and the pace was not game speed, this was another step in the process for the projected opening-day starter, which we pointed out the other day. Time is still on Wynn's side.
Sony Michel more involved in the passing game: In a promising development for his potential to be a three-down back for this team, Michel was much more involved in the passing game in this practice and showed off some nice hands/agility on a few receptions.
WR Cam Meredith signs with Patriots: UPDATE: Meredith has signed, per a source. Meredith is reportedly set to meet with the team for the second time in a week. He was released by the Saints earlier this week. Meredith, who battled a knee injury the past two seasons, is in his fifth season. He caught 66 passes for 888 yards and four touchdowns for the Bears in 2016. Just two years ago, New Orleans signed Meredith to a two-year, $9.6-million offer sheet that the Bears declined to match. Undrafted out of Illinois State, Meredith is a solid big-body target at 6-3. To make any sort of impact, he's going to have to show he's recovered the explosiveness that has been lacking since repeated knee injuries. The Patriots also worked out (but didn't sign) Justin Hunter, so we'll see what happens. That his second meeting with the Patriots was leaked leads me to believe his agent is trying to drum up a market. Meredith would be a possible replacement for Dontrelle Inman, who has had a rough camp and could be on the way out.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
Physically unable to perform list: DB Nate Ebner, WR Demaryius Thomas, DB Ken Webster.
Non-football injury list: WR Julian Edelman, OT Yodny Cajuste.
Red non-contact jerseys: S Patrick Chung (left shoulder) and the QBs.
Returned to practice: None.
Full participants: DL Byron Cowart.
Out: TE Lance Kendricks (head).
Limited: C David Andrews, LT Isaiah Wynn, RB Rex Burkhead.
New injuries: None.
DRESS CODE
Shells and shorts.
LENGTH OF PRACTICE
1:30.
QB STATS
Tom Brady: 6 of 12.
Brian Hoyer: 0 for 4.
Jarrett Stidham: 6 of 9.
It's notable that Stidham, who yesterday got reps for a benched Brady, got more of Hoyer's second-team reps today.
Note: I do not have the number of reps that some other writers have because I do not count when the offense is "working off cards." Those are plays when an assistant coach literally brings out a play on a card and shows it to one side of the ball. They are not running their own plays so since there are so many x-factors — including the receiver running the right route, and blockers executing correctly — so I do not count those reps.
HANDS TEAM
Fumbles: David Andrews (snap).
Drops: Dontrelle Inman, James White.
Pass breakups: J.C. Jackson 2, Terrence Brooks 2, Jonathan Jones, Kyle Van Noy.
Interception: None (Jamie Collins' Hail Mary doesn't count).
TOP PLAYS
- Brandon Bolden had a great catch on a wheel route from Hoyer after getting a step on Dont'a Hightower.
- Braxton Berrios had his highlight of camp when he dove for a fade from Stidham in the end zone.
- Nice job by Derek Rivers running with Bolden down the sideline.
SHANK IT OFF
For now, there's a punting competition going on between the incumbent, Ryan Allen, and fifth-round challenger, Jake Bailey, so we're going to cover the hell out of it because Bedard's a nerd like that.
- There was a very quick directional period for both players, so hangtime is not really applicable here. Let's just say this: both punters were bad, and Joe Judge was not happy. After practice and while the other players were running hills, Allen and Bailey were working with assistant coach Cam Achord.
THREE UP
CB Jonathan Jones: Not sure you'll find many other players who have had a better or more consistent camp than Jones. He's been dominating in the slot and has been a real pain in Braxton Berrios' rear end.
S Terrence Brooks: Broke up two passes as he continued to show he can be a weapon that can be used in various ways. It's very Pat Chung-like.
WR N'Keal Harry: Seemed to get a bit of a demotion to the second team, but give Harry credit for battling and having a very good day overall. After bottoming out two days ago, Harry is starting to make steady progress.
THREE DOWN
WR Phillip Dorsett: Just can't find any separation down the field. That's probably why he hasn't found more playing time.
WR Braxton Berrios: Similar to Dorsett, but in the short area of the field — Berrios just can't readily get open and you can tell it's starting to annoy Tom Brady. He's probably texting Julian Edelman daily for updates.
The punters: See above.
QUICK HITS
- A much lighter practice today and it wasn't all that competitive.
- Matt LaCosse had a bad false start during the hurry-up period.
- Dan Skipper was still the first-team LT, even with Wynn getting ramped up.
- Seemingly every day there's a new safety pairing and today it was Patrick Chung and Obi Melifonwu.
- We've mentioned him before, but keep an eye on LB Calvin Munson in the preseason games. He got some first-team reps today (perhaps as game prep) and he's on a lot of special teams.
- Chase Winovich got a few snaps with the second team.
SCHEDULE
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: Travel to Canton, Ohio/Detroit.
Monday: Joint practice with Lions.
Tuesday: Joint practice with Lions.
Wednesday: OFF/LIGHT
Aug. 8: Patriots vs. Lions, 7:30 p.m.
