NOTEWORTHY

There was a surreal start with Tom Brady and the quarterbacks in the middle of the field, while just a few feet away was Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel. So two key components to the Patriots dynasty stood across from each other in completely different phases of their careers.

It rained off and on, but the first heavy downpour coincided with Brady's first 11-on-11 period. Brady completed all three passes, including a 30-yarder to Rob Gronkowski and 20-yard flag route to Julian Edelman on back-toback plays.

The teams had some intense special teams drills that simulated the punt teams. Hardcore blocking, high energy, lots of yelling and reps that meant something — it was fun to watch.

Malcom Brown had a run stuff. Vincent Valentine sacked Deshaun Watson after Derek Rivers applied pressure. Harvey Langi and Trey Flowers combined for another sack of Watson.

Alan Branch blew up a passing play by busting through the middle of the line. It was tough to tell if he would have gotten the sack in live action, but he was close.

Whitney Mercilus routinely beat LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming, who rotated at left tackle because of Nate Solder's ongoing injury absence. This was a one-sided battle in Mercilus' favor. Mercilus sacked Brady — accidentally knocking him down — because he blew up James White and got knocked into Joe Thuney before colliding harmlessly with Brady.

Malcolm Mitchell missed some important time, but he jumped right back into it the past couple days. He made some route-running miscues that can be corrected with time on the field, but the chemistry with Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo was evident.

Elandon Roberts had some heated reps, but nobody went overboard. It might have gotten close during a late goal-line period when Andre Hal stopped Rex Burkhead, picked him up from behind and carried him farther into the backfield. Hal's teammates stepped in to calm him down.

Kony Ealy had a sack and two great, high-energy reps after that. Aside from that flurry, though, Ealy didn't stand out.

Kyle Van Noy had two pass breakups. His coverage isn't always consistent, but he has made more plays on the ball in the air this camp than the rest of the linebackers combined. That breakup clinched a defensive stop and a win in the final period for the defensive starters.

Brady's final drive closed with a White touchdown run. That's been said before.