FOXBOROUGH — Practice No. 2 is in the books. The team is still in acclimation so it's not really camp yet, that starts Monday, but here are some quickie observations.
TWO THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Defense answers back: The offense was having a grand old time on the first day of camp with a highly successful day, and they let the defense know with a lot of hooting, hollering and posing. Well, the defense got their revenge today as the offense started 0 for 10 to start the final red zone session, and finally scored on the final play with a pick set for Hunter Henry. But, clearly, the defense won the day — did their own trash talking as well — despite having to wear mittens to keep from holding (the offensive line did as well).
"Offense kind of got us a little bit yesterday and we got them today,” said cornerback Jalen Mills. “That’s what you want in these camp days. You never want it to be one-sided. Offense gets us first day. We get them the second day. Pretty sure tomorrow when we do it again they’re going to be fired up.”
Belichick gets involved with the playcalling: Matt Patricia still firmly feels in control of the offense, but Belichick definitely was more involved with the playcalling at points, especially to end the practice. He was in Mac Jones' ear relaying plays. Joe Judge continues to feel like just the QBs coach.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
Out: DE Deatrich Wise (unknown).
Limited: RB Pierre Strong.
New injury: WR Kristian Wilkerson (left foot) moved gingerly at one point but seemed fine.
Returned to practice: None.
Physically unable to perform list: C David Andrews, RB James White, DB Jonathan Jones, S Jabrill Peppers.
Non-football injury list: DB Myles Bryant, OL Chasen Hines, OL Andrew Stueber.
Red non-contact jerseys: QBs.
DRESS CODE
T-shirts.
LENGTH OF PRACTICE
90 minutes under cloudy skies.
QB STATS
Mac Jones: 11 of 18 in 11-on-11; 6 for 6 in 7-on-7
Bailey Zappe: 5 of 12 in 11-on-11; 3 for 6 in 7-on-7
Brian Hoyer: No reps.
HANDS TEAM
Fumbles: JJ Taylor.
Drops: None.
Pass breakups: Joshuah Bledsoe 3, Jalen Mills, Shaun Wade.
Interception: None.
TOP PLAYS
- Mac Jones backshoulder to DeVante Parker along the sideline against tight coverage from Mills.
- Hunter Henry had a leaping TD over Kyle Dugger from Jones.
- Jonnu Smith got up over Bledsoe for TD from Zappe.
TWO UP
Joshuah Bledsoe: The safety who was hurt all of last season continues to make plays. He's now up to five pass breakups.
Jalen Mills: Consistently has good coverage and plays physically.
THREE DOWN
CB Terrance Mitchell: Had a couple of tough reps in the end zone as he loses coverage the deeper the play goes.
"Mitch has done a nice job for us, yet another very experienced player, has been in a couple of different defensive systems," Belichick said before practice. "Some of the things we’re asking him to do are a little bit different, but he’s adapted well. He’s smart, he’s experienced, he’s a good instinctive player and he’s had some good production through the opportunities while we’ve been here, and understanding what those are and aren’t. We’ll see how that goes when we get the padded training camp practice going.
WR Tyquan Thornton: A day after getting manhandled in press coverage twice, once by Malcolm Butler, Thornton was largely fine today but he double caught a couple of balls. He'll have to adjust to man coverage, but some of his breaks off the line have been sharp, even if he didn't get the ball.
QB Bailey Zappe: Hoyer could have been getting some veteran rest today, but Zappe didn't take advantage. He was largely wild and his mechanics are a bit loose. Velocity is there.
QUICK HITS
- Belichick on why he gave Davon Godchaux an extension: "He’s one of the best defensive linemen in the league. Glad we were able to work that out with Davon and Drew Rosenhaus. Obviously both sides are happy, contract’s signed, you know. Go forward."
- Another red zone session today, with emphasis on deceptive plays (screens, end-arounds, quick-hitters).
- CB groupings were largely the same: Mills, Wade, Mitchell; Butler, Marcus Jones, Jack Jones.
- Bentley and McMillan continue to be the starting LBs. Mack Wilson and Jahlani Tavai were together. McGrone and Langhi. But they definitely mixed it up at times, like McGone and Wilson together at one point.
- Wilson looked great and fast on a blitz that caught the offense napping.
- Trent Brown had to run a lap and Justin Herron replaced him at LT. Herron also got time at RT and seems to be the top swing guy at the moment.
- Not sure if it was because he couldn't use his hands because of the mittens, but Butler seemed frustrated at times.
- Anfernee Jennings got some reps at sub interior rusher.
SCHEDULE
Friday, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
Sunday: OFF
Monday: 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.
Thursday: 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 5th, 7 p.m.: In-stadium practice for season ticket holders and Foxborough residents.
Aug. 6th: OFF