FOXBOROUGH — Practice No. 3 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
Turnovers hit the offense: The offense certainly had some good moments, especially in 7 on 7, but struggled a bit in 11-on-11 (this has been a theme back to offseason work). Mac Jones threw his first interception of camp on a miscommunication with Jakobi Meyers — he broke outside, Jones wanted it inside — and it was picked off by Jalen Mills, who is off to a great start. Bailey Zappe (Brian Hoyer was out) threw two picks, one to Justin Bethel, who was wearing hand pads, in front of Tyquan Thornton, and the other was an underthrown ball picked off by Adrian Phillips.
Youngsters get their chance on defense: With Devin McCourty appearing to get veteran rest, Joshuah Bledsoe got his reps with the first team after two impressive practices. And rookie Marcus Jones got the call as the first slot cornerback over Shaun Wade. Both appeared to do well — certainly didn't appear lost. This is what happens with young players in camp. If you can pop early, the coaches will see what you can do with more reps and a better opportunity.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
Out: DE Deatrich Wise (unknown), QB Brian Hoyer (unknown).
Limited: S Devin McCourty (vet rest), RB Pierre Strong.
New injury: None.
Returned to practice: C David Andrews (limited), P Jake Bailey.
Physically unable to perform list: 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
Shells.
LENGTH OF PRACTICE
90 minutes under mostly sunny skies.
QB STATS
Mac Jones: 2 of 7, 3 sacks, INT in 11 on 11.
Bailey Zappe: 3 of 6, INT in 11 on 11.
HANDS TEAM
Fumbles: None.
Drops: Kendrick Bourne (contested).
Pass breakups: Davon Godchaux
Interception: Jalen Mills (Jones), Justin Bethel (Zappe), Adrian Phillips (Zappe)
TOP PLAYS
- Smith made a twisting catch in the back of the end zone from Jones over Kyle Dugger.
- Zappe and Montgomery hooked up on a perfect back pylon fade over Wade.
TWO UP
Jonnu Smith: Continues to stack good days together and today was his best day as he had a few standout catches, most over Dugger.
Hunter Henry: Had another touchdown on the sideline as he picked up where he left off last year.
ONE DOWN
Kyle Dugger: He's been beaten repeatedly in coverage by the tight ends the last two days. Henry and Smith are no slouches, but Dugger hasn't really been competitive on some of the reps, especially after the first move. He tends to get a little lost.
QUICK HITS
- Bill Belichick called plays in the final 11 on 11 sessions again.
- Strong caught his first real pass of camp in 7 on 7 with a checkdown. JJ Taylor might have missed his opportunity.
- Rhamondre Stevenson looks trim and better catching out of the backfield.
- Maybe I need my eyes checked, but Mills has looked really good so far — by far the best CB.
- Late-round DL pick Sam Roberts flashed a couple of times. Interesting high-cut body type. Anfernee Jennings continues to get reps as a sub rusher.
- I gave sacks to Carl Davis, Ronnie Perkins and Matthew Judon. Perkins has strictly been a depth pass rusher. Has some quicks but looks a bit small.
- DBs and OL continued to wear mittens on their hands.
SCHEDULE
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