Mandatory minicamp started for the Patriots on Tuesday, finally giving us a glimpse of the full 2018 squad for the first time. While the teaching period continues, there was was still plenty to digest from the live practice tweets.
Let’s dive into what stood out most to me!
Sick video of Brady pic.twitter.com/WAyM2pF6gu
— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) June 5, 2018
Yes, there he is, back again when he had to be. I was about to write something in response to what Dan Shaughessy crapped out on Brady yesterday, but I thought the better course of action was to just not even click on it. So yeah, another year of Brady, enjoy it while it lasts, as the hot take circus continues to eagerly awaits his demise.
Kenny Britt, who flashed today working with Tom Brady and looks in peak physical condition, could be limited the rest of camp after pulling up (hamstring). But it isn’t viewed as anything overly serious.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 5, 2018
Per multiple reports Britt popped today before limping off. Such a tease, but a welcome one with Malcolm Mitchell missing in action. Britt will have a chance to emerge.
Jordan Matthews said he hadn’t caught passes from Brady prior to today.
— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) June 5, 2018
I mean I don’t love this. I see Matthews (and Britt too) as potentially important pieces to the offense that Brady will need to rely on. We’ll see how well the chemistry develops with the new guys this summer. Somebody has to replace Amendola, Edelman can’t do it all alone, especially early on.
Edelman: “It’s always loud with 12 out there. He’s an intimidating SOB.”
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) June 5, 2018
Gronk had the most #fun of everyone on the field. Excitedly yelled and high stepped after a couple catches.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) June 5, 2018
The wayward sons seemed to make a point to make their energy felt by the team.
Observations from practice, Part III:
*Similar to last week, Trent Brown at LT, Isaiah Wynn at LG.
*Full offense took lap at 1 point.
*Kenny Britt didn’t finish practice. Slammed helmet and limped off with athletic trainer.
*Adrian Clayborn blew up a Chris Hogan end-around.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 5, 2018
Always good nuggets from Reiss and nothing gets me more excited than hearing about front seven disruption going on. As for the offensive line, I’m curious to see how things look when Thuney is back. Trent Brown is such a departure from Solder at left tackle, I’m still not convinced he can play there with his athleticism.
Gronk hauled in a 55-yard touchdown in double coverage. He beat Jordan Richards and Damarius Travis on the pass from Hoyer. The players on the field all screamed as the catch was made.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) June 5, 2018
Seeing both Jordan Richards and my camp boo Damarius Travis getting burned by Gronk wasn’t thrilling, but hey, Gronk’s back and ready to go and that’s really all the offense needs. If all goes right Richards and Travis should even see the field, right?
Wish I was smart enough to predict which of the myriad of WRs will make the team. I have no clue which one has the edge.
Might just come down to who stays healthy!