All the reps with a dummy quarterback and legendary line coach Dante Scarnecchia standing behind the defense holding up the snap count are over — at least from public view, as the Patriots have gone into regular-season practice mode.
So let’s total up all the one-on-ones from camp, check out the final chart and give out a few awards — both good and bad — on the defensive side of the ball.
Offensive 1-on-1 totals: Another outstanding camp from Joe Thuney puts focus on contract
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BEST PASS RUSHER, EDGE
Michael Bennett (8-3-1, 66.7 win%)
As we've chronicled here — literally from his first day — Bennett has been impressive and a breath of fresh air since joining the Patriots. I'm not sure I've seen a better pure pass rusher on the Patriots in the last decade or so. Not only does he still have his quickness and strength, but he's very smart and isn't afraid to share his insight with the other players.
Obviously, Bennett is directly replacing Trey Flowers. While you can make the argument Flowers is a better all-around end than Bennett due to Flowers' strength and ability against the run, it's very clear Bennett is a better pure pass rusher because he's more of a quick-twitch athlete.
And the numbers from these drills back this up. Bennett won at a 66.7 percent clip this training camp. Last year, Flowers only won 30.8 percent of the time (4-7-2).
I would say those numbers accurately illustrate what is plain to see with your eyes: Bennett rushes the quarterback better than Flowers, who mostly won with strength and motor. Bennett has the full repertoire of pass rush moves and should be a little bit more potent.
Runner-up: None. Nobody else with more than six reps won more than 50 percent of the time. This is why they scheme up their pressure and use the amoeba to get to the quarterback.
Nick Thurman (Adam Richins for BSJ)
BEST PASS RUSHER, INTERIOR
Nick Thurman (6-3-2, 54.5 win%)
Who? Yeah, we said the same thing. But give it up for the former UDFA for the Texans and Alliance of American Football player: he did a really nice job this summer and could be in line, at least, for a practice squad spot. He was pretty powerful in his rushes and seemed to overwhelm the backup linemen to the point that he led all rushers with three decisive wins. I'd keep an eye on him in the final two preseason games. He already has 1.5 pressure (half a sack) so far.
Runner-up: Danny Shelton (5-4-1). Not a surprise because he won this spot last year with a 12-6-4 record. Shelton, who was a run-stuffer in Cleveland, showed a lot of pass rush ability last year. The problem is that Shelton didn't buy into the two-gapping scheme last year — he kept getting up the field — to the point that he was benched. Seems to be better in that regard this season.
Keionta Davis, center (Adam Richins for BSJ)
BIGGEST SURPRISE/MOST IMPROVED
Keionta Davis (5-4-3): Last year Davis, despite putting up a record of 4-6-4 (28.6 percent) in camp, emerged as one of Belichick's binkies until he was exposed during the regular season. This summer, Davis was much better, winning at a 41.7 percent clip. Will that land him on the roster again? It very well could.
Mike Pennel (Adam Richins for BSJ)
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS
Mike Pennel (1-5-4): The free-agent addition from the Jets has, to this point, been a huge disappointment overall and it sort of started here. He's not much of a pass rusher naturally, but figured he'd show more because he's so strong.
Byron Cowart (1-6-1): This is a surprise because he's shown more rush ability in the game — his 3.5 total quarterback pressures are second to Chase Winovich (10.5) this preseason — and he showed some rush ability in college, but perhaps he just drew hard matchups in training camp.
Adam Butler (3-7-2): Butler was the runner-up interior rusher last year when he went 7-5-2 (50 percent). This year he won just 25 percent of the time as it appears his quickness is gone in pursuit to being more of an all-around player on the interior.
Deatrich Wise (4-6-5): Wise won the award for best edge rusher last year by winning 42.1 percent of his reps. After returning from injury this year, he was at 26.7 percent. Now, in his defense, Wise was coming back from injury and got off to a very slow start. He steadily got better, but he still has a ways to go.
Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Chase Winovich not getting enough reps: Very surprised Hightower and Collins didn't get any reps (Kyle Van Noy got six) considering they are effective pass rushers. And Winovich only getting four reps ... definitely odd.