Training camp observations from the Patriots' perspective:
http://www.patriots.com/news/2017/08/15/blogservations-joint-fun-west-virginia
--The skill players and linemen from both teams broke up into four segments of the field for 1-on-1 work early in practice. Trying to keep track of it all, the offensive skill players seemed to get the better of the battles on both fields. That included
Julian Edelman,
Danny Amendola,
Rob Gronkowski and
James White opening with four-straight completions.
--
Chris Hogan was particularly impressive in the drill, destroying rookie cornerback Treston Decoud (apparently Decoud not!) and then got deep on Jonathan Joseph. Later Hogan jumped back for a throw, going over the defender to make yet another body-control catch as he’s done so often this summer.
They really like UDFA LB Avery Williams
--A new drill for special teams work may have been the most heated segments of the practice. The drill entailed one coverage player and one blocker in a situation similar to punt/punt return work. On the whistle they engaged at the line with the coverage guy trying to get down the field to a large dummy returner that was 25 yards away. The Patriots worked as the blockers in the first session of the drill.
Brandon Bolden got toasted by rookie Texans linebacker Avery Williams. Bolden wasn’t the only guy to struggle, though, as
Geneo Grissomand
Jordan Richards saw guys blow right by them. On the positive side,
Derek Rivers did a nice job engaging and redirecting the coverage player in his reps.
--When the two sides reversed roles in the special teams drill, the Patriots got off to a terrible start again, this time as the coverage players.
Nate Ebner was knocked to the ground and man-handled by Williams, who wouldn’t let the proven, veteran special teamer even get back to his feet. Richards also got owned by Brennan Scarlett, another linebacker. Freeny and Dayon Pratt, who was impressive in both sides of the drill, had a battle all the way down the field that ended with the Patriots linebacker throwing a little elbow toward his Houston counterpart. Rivers also impressed in the coverage aspect of his drill. Langy had a couple nice reps as the coverage man, as did
James Develin. The same can’t be said for rookie running back
LeShun Daniels Jr. who got destroyed right at the line, essentially getting pancaked.
--Keep an eye on Williams as a core special teamer for the Texans as a rookie. And down the road as a guy Belichick might like based on the way he handled the special teams drills. These sessions are about improving your team, which can include scouting for future personnel moves!