Patriots training camp notebook: Upping the intensity on Day 5

Author Alex Barth

August 2nd, 2021 2:03 PM

The pads haven’t come on quite yet at Patriots training camp, but the team increased the overall intensity at their final unpadded practice on Monday. There was a notable shift in tone an tempo as “real football-type conditions” – as Bill Belichick called them Monday morning – are on the way.

Among the biggest changes was a step away from the red zone. Outside of one late period, most of the team drills took place in between the 20’s. There also seemed to be a clearer dividing line between the presumed starters and reserves (more on that below).

Focused blocking drills were a part of the schedule. Although they were against pads and not other players, it was a clear signal that the players in the trenches are preparing to move beyond the walkthrough stage of camp once the pads come on tomorrow.

Who stood out as the Patriots begin what Belichick called “the next phase” of training camp? Here’s more observations from Day 5…

• A quarterback switcheroo

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  A new dynamic was added to the quarterback competition on Monday. To this point, Cam Newton and Mac Jones had been paired together working with the presumptive starters in team drills, while Brian Hoyer and Jake Dolegala spent that time with the reserves. However, Jones and Hoyer traded places at times during Day 5.
  
  That doesn't mean that Hoyer has passed Newton on the depth chart, or that Jones is out of the running for the starting job. But it is yet another indication that the team is starting to focus more on preparing for the regular season.
  
  When Newton and Jones are in the same group, the snaps are split roughly 50/50. For every rep one gets, the other has to sit out. By having Jones work with a different group, it maximizes the total snaps both him and Newton can take during practice.
  
  Jones took advantage of those expanded reps, and for the first time this summer had more attempts than Newton. He finished the day 16-of-21, while Newton was 9-of-14 with an interception.

• Jakobi’s Day

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  Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne each had their highlight day last week, and on Monday Jakobi Meyers added his own. He closed the day on a high note with three catches in 11-on-11's, beating J.C. Jackson, Jalen Mills, and Jonathan Jones.
  
  It was hardly a slow start to camp for the third-year receiver, but he hadn't quite had a 'breakout' practice until now. The top three Patriots receivers have shown nothing but promise early on - we'll see if they can keep it up when pads are added to the equation tomorrow.

• The must-watch matchup of camp

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  Through five practices, there has been nothing more 'must-see' than the battles between tight end Jonnu Smith and safety Adrian Phillips. The two have regularly been matched up in red zone team drills, and seem to bring the best out of each other.
  
  Phillips got the best of Smith twice on Monday. After one particularly close PBU in the back corner of the end zone, he and Smith stayed to exchange a few words. This resulted in both players not getting lined up in time for the next snap, which was a hurry up.
  
  Of course, Smith and Phillips battling isn't a storyline that will carry over into the regular season. But it seems like an 'iron sharpens iron' kind of situation for two of the Patriots' more important players.

• Lurking linebackers

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  Patriots linebackers were a constant problem for both quarterbacks during team drills on Monday. Ja'Whaun Bentley made his first big play of camp when he climbed the ladder to snag a Newton line drive over the middle of the field for an interception, the only pick of the day for the Patriots defense.
  
  However, Bentley wasn't the only linebacker clogging passing lanes. Raekwon McMillan had two pass breakups, including a diving attempt at an intermediate throw from Newton. The ball just grazed his fingertips, but it was an impressive display of range by the 25-year-old. Kyle Van Noy rounded out the linebacker PBU group, and cornerback J.C. Jackson had one as well.

• Laps

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  For the final snap of practice, the offense and defense squared off in a fourth & goal situation from the five yard line. Cam Newton targeted Nelson Agholor on an inside slant, but the pass was challenged by Jalen Mills and fell incomplete. As a result the entire offense - coaching staff included - had to run a lap around both practice fields.
  
  That wasn't the only lap run on Monday. Fullback Jakob Johnson and guard Alex Redmond each committed a false start. There was also a J.J. Taylor muffed a punt - his second of the summer.

• Play of the day

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  Mac Jones' strong practice was highlighted by his participation in the play of the day. During full field 11-on-11's, Jones uncorked a 50-yard inside post to Isaiah Zuber, who was double covered. Zuber leapt for the ball at the goal line, snatching a perfectly-placed throw away from D'Angelo Ross and Dee Virgin in mid-air. Despite getting bumped by both defensive backs on the way down, Zuber maintained control and completed the catch.

• Injury tracker

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  Late in practice, defensive lineman Henry Anderson got caught up in traffic during a screen play, and was slow to get up. After walking gingerly to the sideline, he spent the remainder of practice with his helmet off, speaking with a trainer.
  

• Notable Quotables

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  Jalen Mills on playing for Bill Belichick: "I think as far as the excited part of it, that’s kind of sunk in. But even when we were in a walkthrough two or three days ago, I was talking to one of the young guys, and I was like, ‘That’s Bill Belichick right there. That’s the greatest coach ever, man. Anything that he says, just listen to him. Because when he’s talking when he’s coaching, it’s free game. He’s giving knowledge. It may just be him doing his job, but the things that he says, you have to really pay attention to it, because he’s really giving you the game."
  
  Kendrick Bourne on practicing with pads: "Definitely excited man. Glad to be here. Definitely getting comfortable. Love the team. Love the guys here. Just ready to put the pads on, man, and get it going. Preseason is really close."
  
  Josh Uche on self-critique: "It’s kind of just studying. It’s a combination of different things. I’m the hardest critic on myself, so I’m always just looking at slight tweaks I could make to my game, whether it’s this technique, whether it’s this stance, or whatever. I’m just constantly on it. Even if it’s good, there’s always room to be better."
  
  Christian Barmore on getting to play with so many Alabama alumni: "It’s a blessing. Hightower, Anfernee Jennings, Mac Jones, Damien Harris, it’s a blessing. I came with all of them. It’s a blessing"
  
  Brandon Bolden on his opt-out year: "I opted out for health reasons but had a great time with my kids, was a dad for a year so that was different. But it’s great to be back out here with the guys. I just had to let them know the first day back, I missed them all, even Bill. Yeah, me and him had a little heart-to-heart when I got back. It’s been great. It’s been fun getting back into the swing of things, just break a sweat and chasing other grown men instead of kids all day."
  
  Isaiah Wynn on how he works through the frustration of being injured: "Just talk to the guys. Everybody gets hurt once in a while so. We play football. I talk to other guys to see where they are to get where they’re at right now and just staying healthy. So just talking to the rest of the team has been helpful. Everybody’s been in that situation. We play the game of football."

For more on Day 5 of Patriots training camp, check out the latest episode of the Patriots recap podcast featuring Nicole Yang.

MORE: Kristian Wilkerson making a roster push on special teams

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Author Alex Barth

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