It was another chippy day at joint practices between the Patriots and the Bears. More players were ejected and it seems clear these teams are going to get after it on Thursday night. I have to say I enjoy the extra business going on. Yes, it might distract from some of the work that needs to be done, but it also forges a team and bonds them against an early common enemy. If someone tries to push them around this season, we know how they’ll react.
But the best part of this practice though was reading about Julian Edelman being uncoverable. Yes, the injury scare from last week is far behind him now as Edelman is seemingly back to where he was before the injury last season. Keeping him at that level now through February is the goal, and it certainly won’t be an easy one.
Here are the tweets of note from Tuesday’s practice.
Photo: Olympian Nate Ebner (43) is back with the Patriots but not yet ready for full-pads work. pic.twitter.com/EQ2xuOIJKd
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 16, 2016
Good to have Ebner back. The Patriots probably (and should) have the most talented special teams in the league. No one focuses on them in the draft quite like New England.
Here’s today’s reminder that Malcolm Mitchell and Rob Ninkovich are tougher than you pic.twitter.com/ARwiRocDEh
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 16, 2016
Yes they are.
Not seeing Lewis, Bolden, McClellin, Cooper, Vollmer, Gronk, Sheard at Patriots practice.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 16, 2016
Bolden’s a new one. Starting to get a bit concerned about McClellin and Sheard, though we never actually saw them get dinged. Usually that’s a good sign.
Julian Edelman just beat Super Bowl hero Tracy Porter so bad that Porter quit before Garoppolo threw the ball.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 16, 2016
Just forget it, Tracy.
Matthew Slater just accidentally tackled Kieren Duncan in punt coverage, immediately apologized and gave him a hug. Most Slater thing ever.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 16, 2016
That’s so Slater.
Edelman just put a triple move on LB John Timu and beat him by 10 yards for a TD. So unfair it’s almost uncalled for.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 16, 2016
Please stay healthy this year. Please stay healthy this year.
Bryan Stork has been ejected from practice. Got a push from John Timu after the whistle. Responded with a quick right and two shoves.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 16, 2016
Like the fire but it’s not good to miss those reps when you’re in a fight for your job.
Clay Harbor landed awkwardly on a pass play in 11-on-11s. Off to the side being checked out.
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) August 16, 2016
A lot of people are simply pencilling in Clay Harbor, but I don’t see how he can make the team when he can’t stay on the field.
Tom Brady pic.twitter.com/K9APD0Cavk
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 16, 2016
I love you, Tommy.
David Andrews and Shaq Mason still ahead in that center/right guard positional battle
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 16, 2016
If this interior group with Thuney can gel, the Pats are going to be set for a long time. Just have to focus on the tackle spots, especially RT next offseason.
Julian Edelman looking fast today pic.twitter.com/9MKryOVGx3
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 16, 2016
He. Is. Good. At. Football.
Patriots-Bears practice chippy again. Harold Jones-Quartey drops Julian Edelman in 11v11. Pushing ensues. HJQ and JE exchanged words in 7v7.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 16, 2016
This game is going to be innnnnteresting.
