FOXBOROUGH — Day 11 of Patriots training camp is in the books as the team practiced for just over two hours on the upper grass fields behind Gillette Stadium in full pads.
This was the second straight day of full pads and it was arguably the most physical and competitive practice to this point in the summer.
In total 14 players were missing: kicker Nick Folk, quarterback Jarrett Stidham (PUP), cornerback Stephon Gilmore (PUP), running back Brandon Bolden, safety Adrian Colbert, defensive back D'Angelo Ross, long-snapper Joe Cardona, outside linebacker Chase Winovich (PUP), linebacker Cameron McGrone (NFI), linebacker Terez Hall (PUP), center David Andrews, safety Joshuah Bledsoe (NFI), tight end Hunter Henry and defensive tackle Byron Cowart (PUP).
Nelson Agholor and Akeem Spence returned after missing Sunday, although Agholor was definitely limited. Andrews, Henry and Cardona were all injured in Sunday’s practice.
Here are some observations from Monday's session.
— Both Cam Newton and Mac Jones had solid performances in extended reps for both. Newton continues to lead off every rep and like Jones has in recent practices, the veteran also got extended time Monday. His best throw of the day came to James White on a wheel route that the running back made an over-the-shoulder catch with Kyle Van Noy in coverage.
Newton did have some issues at the end of practice in the two-minute drill, which included Adrian Phillips breaking up a pass in the end zone intended for Jonnu Smith. Earlier in 11-on-11 work, Phillips picked Newton off — also on a pass intended for Smith. It was the only interception thrown by either quarterback on the day.
— In his reps simulating a two-minute drill, Jones shined as he was very efficient moving the ball down the field. Overall, the rookie did a good job taking care of the football and not making any mistakes during the practice. It is worth noting Jones did not go up against the same defense Newton did in the two-minute work. His best throw of the ball also came to a running back — Sony Michel — on a go-route up the sideline.
It’s still too early to say which quarterback definitively has an edge, but that could change over the next week when both potentially face another team in live action Thursday night and also next week with the joint sessions against the Eagles. With that being said, Monday was a good day for both QBs, although if we were forced to give an edge to one or the other it would be Jones.
— The Patriots simulated some goal-line situations for the first time this summer. Michel got stuffed twice, while Damien Harris got in once in two tries. Nick Thurman stood out in these reps making a few stops. Joejuan Williams also had a nice play.
— Ted Karras took most of Andrews’ reps with the center out with an apparent hand injury.
— Jarrett Stidham watched the session for a second straight day. He closely observed the quarterbacks, while wearing a mask.
— Once again, Christian Barmore was a standout in 1-on-1 drills. The rookie did need to go to the athletic training area where it looked like his right leg/foot was getting worked on, but he did return to action missing minimal time.
— Van Noy did not take any 1-on-1 reps for a second straight day, even though he wasn’t wearing a red non-contact jersey.
— Deatrich Wise looked solid in 1-on-1s and carried that over into 11-on-11 work. This may have been his best practice of the summer. Josh Uche also had a nice day, which continues an impressive offseason for the second-year player.
— Phillips may be the best defensive player on the field as he has been all over the place when it comes to pass deflections, especially going up against tight ends.
— Practice closed with field goal work where Jake Bailey was the kicker with Gunner Olszewski serving as the holder — likely preparing for an emergency situation.
— The team will practice inside the stadium Tuesday afternoon (open to the public). It’s unclear what it will look like considering the two straight days in full pads. This is their last practice before hosting Washington Thursday night.