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 STARTING TO LOSE GROUND?
We excused Jarrett Stidham the other day when he had three interceptions. We saw them all. The drills didn't have everyone going all-out all the time. It felt like Stidham was just throwing them up, trying to force the ball into a tight spot and make a play — which differentiated him from Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer. For them, when push comes to shove, they're just dumping it down.
Today was different. And it was not good for Stidham.
In the first real practice of training camp — with 1-on-1s between WRs and DBs, and OL and DL, and competitive team periods — Stidham was not up to snuff. In team periods, Stidham was just 2 of 6 with two more interceptions. Cam Newton was 7 for 13 (drop) and Brian Hoyer was 6 for 11 (drop).
But a QB competition is not about stats, which can be skewed depending on who you're playing with, and the defenders you're going against. And Stidham's performance on Thursday had nothing to do with his stats. What was the issue?
The player who started out with confident reads and decisive throws is more and more unsure of himself with every passing practice. One of his interceptions was just lazy. He didn't step into the throw, and the ball hung up in the air — this has been a repeated problem.
But probably the worst play came later in practice and it wasn't an interception.
During 11-on-11s, Stidham went through a play-action fake, looked deep but quickly saw that Devin Asiasi was going to be open on a little out. The play was there. Asiasi might turn the corner after catching the ball. Instead, Stidham didn't get the pass go and badly underthrew it, which drew a rebuke from a coach.
That's a play Stidham has to make. Even if it's not a completion, he at least has to go through the play and throw it with confidence.
It was just terrible.
Look, it's not like Newton is running away with this thing. And if you had to start a game right now, Hoyer may just be the better option.
But Stidham is playing worse by the day and losing confidence. He needs to gird up and finish the week strong tomorrow or he's going to see his reps cut even more.
EDELMAN'S HEALTH A CONCERN?
It was understandable when Julian Edelman was given the second day of camp off. The guy is a warrior and the Patriots need him for the whole season. Not point in burning him out in camp. It's about the long haul.
On Wednesday, Edelman was back but he didn't have a full load. And he hasn't exactly looked like Edelman in his prime, to this point. He looks, well, his age a bit. It doesn't come as easy to Edelman as it used to.
And then today, Edelman was going through 1-on-1s and got caught up coming off a break, and tumbled to the ground. He was very slow getting up, and then walked off and tossed his helmet. He was on the bicycle for a while, and then watched the rest.
Obviously the Patriots need Edelman healthy. The past three days haven't been a red flag, more of a yellow light.
But, yeah, I'm a little concerned.
FIRST ONE ON ONES OF CAMP
We'll have the full write up later, but here are some initial impressions from the dancing bears going at each other:
• Jermaine Eluemunor had a terrific day, going 3-0-1. He beat John Simon, Brandon Copeland and Chase Winovich. No slouches.
• David Andrews was a mixed bag with 2-2-1 record, but had a decisive loss and was put on the ground by Byron Cowart
• Hjalte Froholdt was good (3-1) at multiple interior spots.
• Korey Cunningham (4-0-1) came out of nowhere to have a great day, and that continued into team drills.
• Andrews, Justin Herron and Mike Onwenu each had multiple losses.
• On defense: John Simon, Shilique Calhoun, Rashod Berry, Brandon Copeland and Darius Kilgo failed to register wins.
• Cowart had another decisive win over Froholdt. Lawrence Guy and Deatrich Wise were the only players to post multiple wins.
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