FOXBOROUGH — The most significant developments from today's training camp session, right in your face, with the more comprehensive Camp Report coming later this afternoon.
STIDHAM THROWS 3 INTS, BUT THAT'S NOT ALL BAD
The headline in a lot of spots, I'm sure, will be that Jarrett Stidham threw three interceptions today while Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer threw none. It's true. Two were in 7-on-7s that were a little more competitive than the first day, the other came in an early play-action period (there was a lot of that today, to build off the run-heavy Day 1).
But I came away more impressed with Stidham than the other two quarterbacks for the second day in a row, and here's why:
I saw those interceptions as Stidham trying to make a play, trying to push the envelope. He could have easily taken the checkdown — which Newton and Hoyer did — but practice is the time to make mistakes, to push the risk-reward to see what you can or can't do.
It took me back to Aaron Rodgers' second training camp as the Packers' starter. He was way too conservative in his first season replacing Brett Favre, and he knew it. With the pushing of Mike McCarthy, Rodgers used practice to throw into spots he never would in a game, out of fear of a turnover (Rodgers so badly wanted to be the anti-Favre in every way). Sometimes it worked for Rodgers, sometimes it didn't. But it led to the MVP-type player you saw in later years. (Have talked to McCarthy many times about this.)
I'm not saying Stidham is going to be Rodgers or anything ... just that sometimes throwing three interceptions — and none of them were really bad, just a little late and trying to make a play — in a practice winds up being a good thing for the player.
By the way, Stidham also had the best throw of camp when, off of play-action, he showed great anticipation and threw a laser to the left sideline that hit Damiere Byrd in stride right at the sideline. The other two QBs can't make that throw, at least they haven't show it yet.
JULIAN EDELMAN LEAVES AND DOES NOT RETURN
Edelman was on the field to start practice, but quickly left and was not seen again. It would not be a shock to see Edelman, given his age and all he went through physically last year, to be giving a vet day. It's possible he went down to the lower field for some rehab and a workout.
Still, it showed just how thin the Patriots are at receiver. They only had six taking part on Tuesday: N'Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd, Jakobi Meyers, Isaiah Zuber, Mohamed Sanu, Gunner Olszewski and Devin Ross. That's a skeleton crew in training camp.
QBs STILL SPLITTING REPS EVENLY
It's almost creepy how they're doing it, with everybody getting about the same number or reps and chances to go with the first team.
Newton had another couple of reps where he held, and held, and held onto the ball before deciding to scramble. There's no question he's trailing in terms of seeing the plays develop.
My totals, that don't include 7-on-7s because I didn't see them as all-out competitive:
Stidham: 6 of 7, INT
Hoyer: 7 of 9
Newton: 7 of 11
Newton had incompletions on three straight passes, but one was a drop by Sanu.
HEAVY EMPHASIS ON PLAYACTION, RED ZONE
The teams got pretty competitive in the short red area and the offense has its way with the defense — and let the blue shirts know about it.
Rex Burkhead scored on consecutive carries, then Newton had a play-action TD to a wide-open Devin Asiasi against LB Terez Hall.
QUICKIE READS ON PLAYERS
David Andrews: Looks very strong to this point.
Devin Asiasi: Had a better Day 2 and the team has high hopes for him, but Ryan Izzo getting a lot of work in 11 on 11s.
Yodny Cajuste: Might be having the worst camp out of anyone. He's constantly getting coached up after plays.
Adam Butler: Looks bigger and thicker than last year.
Shilique Calhoun: Make it two straight years he gets a lot of early looks. They obviously like him a lot.
Deatrich Wise: Had a terrific day stopping the run.
Devin Ross: All he does is make big plays.
Dalton Keene: Looked like Adrian Phillips was none too pleased when the rookie, as an H-back, filled a hole and dove at Phillips' knees as the lead blocker. That's a no-no rook.
Hjlate Froholdt: Inconsistent but he's showing much better in his second camp at an important position I'm not allowed to talk about.
N'Keal Harry: For all his offseason work and hype, I'm not seeing it. Has not made an impact.
Isaiah Wynn: Very strong start to camp.
Mohamed Sanu: Just OK. No huge improvement from living with a coach.
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