https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC1clbWAF88
Another day of actual football to talk about! There will only be one more before we start the long void until training camp, which means it’s time to way overanalyze everything that has been going on at Patriots minicamp.
Here are some tweets that stood out to me with commentary.
Stephon Gilmore might’ve been the best player on the field. Targeted twice by Brady with a breakup on a slant to Hogan and an incompletion in the end zone to Matthews.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) June 6, 2018
Gilmore’s development in his first season with the Patriots was outstanding. He went from early-season bust, to a game-sealing pass break up in the AFC Championship and was one of the only defensive backs to have a good game in SB52. His continued development will be a big strength of the defense this year.
Trey Flowers nearly picked Brady on a pass batted in the air by Dont’a Hightower, and Jordan Richards intercepted Brian Hoyer at one point. Team incorporated noise (AC/DC, Bon Jovi, etc.) during 11-on-11 to make communication more difficult.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) June 6, 2018
By other accounts, the Richards INT was a gift from Hoydog. But otherwise it’s nice to see Flowers and Hightower making plays at this stage. If those two stay healthy the front seven will be just fine.
Dante Scarnecchia absolutely ripped into Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn today. The pair messed up a blocking assignment on a run play. They were pulled from the line, screamed at and then returned – only to get yelled at some more before getting the correction down
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) June 6, 2018
The rotation and competition along the offensive line continues. Again, I am curious what happens when Thuney gets back. Does Wynn pop to LT or does he stay at LG and work with Thuney? Lots of options, not to mention when Marcus Cannon comes back, does that put Waddle back on the left side too?
In the 4v4 portion of practice, Jacob Hollister made two nice catches. One was over Harmon. He also lined up in the slot in 11s. He’s looked good this spring.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) June 6, 2018
Theme of this spring has certainly been the development of Jacob Hollister, a roster afterthought for almost everyone. Still, he made the team and stuck all last season and that can’t be discounted. Now, with a year under his belt, he’s taking strides as an “F” tight end, a somewhat luxury position the Pats could have some fun with.
Best moment of practice: Gronk caught a touchdown over Chung. When he landed, he threw the football into a tree on the sideline. He threw an absolute rocket. It was hilarious.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) June 6, 2018
You just can’t underestimate the impact Gronk has, both because he’s so good he pushes everyone around him, but the energy he brings is almost as important. For a team looking for “fun”, you can’t overlook Gronk and how much he means to the culture when he’s there.
Undrafted rookie JC Jackson got starter’s reps at cornerback. #Patriots
— Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff) June 5, 2018
JC Jackson continues to get a long look in camp, which is remarkable considering Jason McCourty‘s just been standing around watching. While Cyrus and Jonathan Jones get healthy, Jackson is one to keep an eye on.
