Wednesday saw the Patriots take a step back in terms of the intensity and tempo of practice. After two days in full pads, the team was back in shells and shorts for the seventh day of training camp.

Although there wasn’t as much contact, the team spent almost the entire practice in 11-on-11  drills. Why such a heavy focus on team drills in a lower-tempo session? Let’s start there, with what Bill Belichick said prior to practice.

Cleaning things up

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks to reporters before practice at the start of training camp on July 27, 2022. (Matt Dolloff/98.5 The Sports Hub)

Speaking to the media before practice, Belichick laid out his plan for the day. “We’ll be in shells and try to clean up a few things from the last couple of days that need to be worked out and get back at it,” he explained. Asked what he wanted to work through, Belichick replied, “Everything. Just a lot of communication, techniques, adjustments.”

This is along the lines of things other coaches and players have said in recent days. Speaking after Tuesday’s practice, quarterback Mac Jones talked about how important it is to just get plays run to get them on film so the team can watch them and make the nessesary adjustments. Today seemed like a day where the team had a chance to make those adjustments.

Areas of focus

Jul 30, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick checks his notes at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

So, what exactly were the Patriots cleaning up? Offensively, the running game was a focus on Wednesday, especially inside runs. The Patriots’ defensive front, led by Christian Barmore on the line and Raekwon McMillan and Mack Wilson at the second level, has won the majority of the rushing periods in camp.

In the passing game, it was a chance for Jones and his receivers to get back on the same page after struggling in 11’s the last two days. Jones was 14-of-16 throwing the ball in those drills today, starting with 12 consecutive completions. For more on Jones’ performance, check out today’s Mac Watch from Matt Dolloff here.

Defensively, the focus seemed to be on communication. There’s a number of new players in key roles on the Patriots’ defense this year, which means getting new players on the same page. It seemed like there was more pre-snap communication between players on the field on Wednesday, which could indicate that they are starting to get on the same page, or at least are focusing on improving in that regard.

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Punter hang times

Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots punter Jake Bailey (7) punts the ball during the second half of a game against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

With the offense and defense locked in somewhat of a walkthrough throughout practice, the special teams units stood out a big more on Wednesday. Let’s start with the punter hang times…

Jake Bailey:
5.19 seconds
4.82
5.25
4.60
4.46

Jake Julien:
4.81
4.77
4.89
4.52
4.57

UDFAs getting attention

Early on in practice, special teams coordinator Cam Achord spent a period working one-on-one with UDFA outside linebacker DaMarcus Mitchell. It seemed like the two were going over release techniques.

For a player like Mitchell, carving out a role on special teams may be his way onto the roster. Getting face time with the special teams coordinator is an encouraging sign. Another UDFA, Brenden Schooler, has also been heavily involved with the core special teamers this summer.

Folk family

Sep 19, 2021; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots kicker Nick Folk (6) kicks a field goal as punter Jake Bailey (7) holds during the second half against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

A lighter moment during Wednesday’s practice involved kicker Nick Folk. During one of the team 11-on-11 drills, Folk was kicking field goals on the other field. With most of the roster engaged in the team drill, Folk had his kids – all wearing No. 6 jerseys – retrieving the football for him.

In his two and a half years with the Patriots, Folk’s family has stayed in Dallas while he comes up here to be with the team. It must have been a great feeling for Folk to have his family in attendance and involved today.

Catch of the day

Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) waves to the crowd during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday’s catch of the day goes to running back Damien Harris. During an 11-on-11 period, Harris ran across the formation with a defender trailing. Jones led Harris out in front to try and pull him away from the coverage, and Harris reached out with one hand and pulled the ball in.

Harris hasn’t been involved in the passing game as much as some of the other backs, but he’s looked good when given the opportunities. With the Patriots’ potential lack of depth at the pass catching back spot, Harris showing comfort in that role is an encouraging sign.

Taking attendance

May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) works on his footwork at the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

With the lighter session, the Patriots rested up some players with a couple of guys being limited on Wednesday. Devin McCourty, Malcolm Butler, Rhamondre Stevenson, joined Deatrich Wise and Brian Hoyer – who have missed the last two practices – on the lower practice field.

Jabrill Peppers and Dalton Keene both weren’t spotted at practice. In addition, James White remains on PUP while Chasen Hines and Andrew Stueber are still on NFI.

What’s next?

Gillette Stadium Practice Field (Jim Louth/98.5 The Sports Hub)

The Patriots are back on the practice field on Thursday. That session begins at 9:30 a.m., with gates opening to the public at 8:00. Bill Belichick is expected to speak before practice.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.