Stidham has three picks, while Newton improves
The pads were on for the second straight day. And another spirited Patriots practice ensued.
There was a goal line period toward the end of the practice, with the offense getting the better of the defense, and plenty of other competitive drills throughout the 90-minute practice.
Once again, Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer had their reps evenly split during drills. It’s doubtful that will be the case down the road. Of note, it was not the best day for Stidham, who threw three interceptions. Newton, meanwhile, seems to be coming along, while Hoyer remains the steadiest of the three.
Below is everything the Herald observed during Tuesday’s practice outside Gillette Stadium.
ATTENDANCE
Absent: DL Beau Allen, DL Tashawn Bower, LB Anfernee Jennings, WR Jeff Thomas
PUP: RB Sony Michel, RB Lamar Miller
Limited: WR Julian Edelman, WR Will Hastings
PLAY OF THE DAY Brian Hoyer’s bomb
A bit of a repeat from Monday. During an 11-on-11 session, Hoyer executed a nice play-action fake, dropped back, and unloaded a deep ball down the left sideline.
And, once again, the receiver arriving under it was Devin Ross, just like he had during Monday’s big play. The playmaking wideout got a step on Jason McCourty and made a spectacular diving catch, getting up and celebrating, letting everyone know he held onto the ball.
The speedster managed the catch without letting the ball jar loose on impact with the ground. So he’s 2-for-2 with Hoyer on the deep ball.
PLAYER OF THE DAY Rex Burkhead
Along with Damien Harris, Burkhead has looked quick and decisive heading through the holes. He scored on back-toback plays down by the goal line. Punching it across from in close has been an issue for the Patriots in recent years, so it was good to see a back power his way through on consecutive carries.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
While his reputation is being erratic in terms of accuracy, Newton had terrific ball placement Tuesday. He once again received instruction from Josh McDaniels and Jedd Fisch at different points of the practice.
Hoyer continues to be steady and mistake-free. Even with his miscues, Stidham still threw a number of terrific passes including a laser to Byrd, hitting him in stride down the left sideline.
There was a lot of screen work done for the quarterbacks and backs, and red zone as well.
Harris once again impressed carrying the ball, and also made a nice fingertip catch on a Newton throw.
Asiasi continues to look the part as a contributor at tight end. He was also lauded for his blocking in protection.
Even with a dropped pass, Olszewski was still impressive. He hauled in a deep TD pass from Hoyer. He also showed well in a drill that had offensive players attempting to muscle through defenders.
Hjalte Froholdt had a lot of work at center during various drills.
Jermaine Eluemunor, Cajuste and Justin Herron took turns at right tackle
During 11-on-11 special teams work, N’Keal Harry, Sanu and Asiasi caught passes from all three quarterbacks in a side session. Edelman had been in the group Monday, but was limited this practice.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
Got the worst of it in the red zone, with touchdowns scored on the defense through the air (twice) and on the ground (twice). Deatrich Wise was effective stopping the run. Gilmore and Jason McCourty continue to work off to the side during special teams sessions.
Terez Hall was beaten badly by Asiasi for a red zone touchdown.
Shilique Calhoun continues to get a lot of action. Adrian Phillips, who has had knee issues, didn’t take too kindly to a low block by rookie Dalton Keene.
New safeties coach Brian Belichick was pretty vocal leading one session with the defensive backs.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Plenty of work for kick and punt returners. Olszewski seemed to get most of the reps returning punts. Kick returners included Olszewski, Dugger, Byrd and J.J. Taylor.
Justin Rohrwasser, who didn’t have the best day Monday, didn’t have any kicks to convert on Tuesday.
ODDS AND ENDS
Newton likes to dance.
Rohrwasser was in long sleeves once again, making it tough to check out if he in fact had removed a controversial tattoo.
Even with four quarterbacks, Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio continues to be a valuable arm at practice, throwing to receivers during drills.
Edelman’s early departure was unexpected. He didn’t seem injured. Perhaps a load management day for the 34-year-old.