Today was the first time the media contingent were allowed access to the Patriots facility this season, so Tweets of Note is back! I’ll be doing these on most, if not all of the media attended practices as we head towards the regular season.
Here are some of the stand out tweets of the day, along with my thoughts.
Long-term Patriots reporter Mike Reiss summed up the excitement in three words this morning. Of course, the team has been on the field for a couple of weeks now, but a fully padded practice was the symbol of the type of football we’d been waiting for.
A double-tweeter to cover the QB group today, lots of praise for Stidham, Newton, and Hoyer who were involved in similar reps through-out. It’ll take a couple of weeks to really know who is winning the race to start week 1 against Miami. Not much of note for UDFA Brian Lewerke, who was involved, but I can imagine finding it difficult amongst such a veteran group.
Regarding the race for QB1, I like Stidham, I think he’s got the potential to play on this team long-term, he also seems up for a scrap to gain the starting job. A few questions arose regarding Cam’s throwing motion, which at times, even in non-competitive snaps, looked a little abnormal.
This will be more of a battle than people first thought when the Newton signing was announced, watch this space.
Slightly surprised at the absence of UDFA WR Jeff Thomas and DT Beau Allen from today’s practice. More concern towards Allen, who will be expected to fill the role left by Danny Shelton, who moved on during free agency. Also missing was rookie third-round LB Anfernee Jennings. Keep an eye on this trio in the coming days, the hope will be that nothing serious is keeping them away.
Unsurprisingly, the RB pairing of Sony Michel and Lamar Miller weren’t present today, both remain on the PUP/active list and can come off and participate at any time.
A real positive to hear was that a number of the rookies had a good session. Especially Uche, Keene, Asiasi, and second-year FB Jakob Johnson who will be needed to help carry the load in their respective positions, following opt-outs and roster turnover.
Some more involvement for Rohrwasser who had a mixed end of the day in front of the posts. I’ve still got a feeling that Bill might bring in some competition, but for now, we’ll keep an eye on the rookie as he tries to make the position his own.
Catch up on today’s Patriots Unfiltered video stream here.
