Patriots training camp notebook: Josh Uche shows off game-changing athleticism



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The New England Patriots were back in the pads for the second straight day (and fourth time this training camp) on Monday afternoon. With just days of the team’s preseason debut against the Washington soccer team, the Patriots have upped the physique on both sides of the ball, as well as the pressure on quarterbacks Cam Newton and Mac Jones.

Before the Patriots head back inside Gillette Stadium for Tuesday’s practice, let’s clean up Monday’s training camp notebook.

Presence

Absent: CB Stephon Gilmore (PUP), DT Bryon Cowart (PUP), QB Jarrett Stidham (PUP), LB Chase Winovich (PUP), TE Dalton Keene (IR), LB Cameron McGrone (NFI), S Joshuah Bledsoe (NFI), LB Raekwon McMillan (IR), K Nick Folk, RB Brandon Bolden, S Adrian Colbert, CB D’Angelo Ross, TE Hunter Henry, C David Andrews, LS Joe Cardona

Returnees: WR Nelson Agholor, DT Akeem Spence

Injuries

DL Christian Barmore: The rookie had another stint in the medical tent in training after a period of 1 on 1 drills against the offensive lineman. Barmore had his right leg / knee checked before finally returning to action.

Take away food

Mac Jones continues to impress, Cam Newton remains the holder: It was a strong performance from both quarters on Monday, as the team continue to seek consistent play from position. As Cam Newton continues to see starting reps, Jones’ confidence in the offense continues to grow.

Running a two-minute drill to wrap up the practice, Jones scored a perfect 4 of 4 against the Scout team’s defense. After starting off with a 30-yard wheel throw to Sony Michel – who made an impressive over-the-shoulder dive on the straight sideline – Jones finished the year with a nice touchdown pass from the 20 yard back shoulder at Marvin Hall.

In the previous 11-11 job against the team’s first defense, Jones led another touchdown. His most impressive pitch came on a short pass to Kendrick Bourne, where the rookie was forced out of the pocket and pointed to an area of ​​the pitch with soft cover before completing the pass.

Newton was also put to the test in two-minute exercises – with a heavy mix of Nirvana and Green Day in the background. Newton only completed 2 of 5 passes against the starting defense, but was hampered by a fall from Kristian Wilkerson on a short side road.

In total, Newton was 11 of 17 in a job at 11 of 11 Monday afternoon. He threw an interception to secure Adrian Phillips on a pass behind Jonnu Smith – a recurring problem for the veteran this summer. Newton had the afternoon pitch when he dropped one into the bucket at James White on a wheel route along the right sideline. White also had a good catch.

Adrian Phillips shines again: Adrian Phillips has been a monster defending the Patriots this training camp. After intercepting Newton earlier in the day, Phillips ended Newton’s two-minute drill by smashing a pass to Jonnu Smith in the end zone – one of the best home and away clashes in camp.

Through 11 practices so far, the 29-year-old safety has two interceptions and four pass breakouts. He has always been one of the best players on the whole team.

Josh Uche’s Speed ​​Flashes: Even with limited action in his rookie year, it was hard to miss Josh Uche’s speed and athleticism as a linebacker. After a strong start to the summer camp, the second-year pro dominated the Patriots’ starting offensive unit in 11-on-11 drills Monday afternoon.

In the work on the goal line, Uche used his speed to break through the offensive line and detonate a run from Sony Michel behind the line of scrimmage. Later in passing situations, Uche recorded two potential sacks, completing dominant right tackle Trent Brown on one occasion. With his speed and quickness, Uche should be a serious problem for the opposition this season.

Other Notes:

  • Deatrich Wise has been solid for the Patriots throughout training camp and had his best summer training on Monday. Wise, who signed a 4-year, $ 22 million contract this offseason, sacked Newton in an 11v11 job. Wise also had clear wins over Isaiah Wynn and Jonnu Smith in 1v. 1.
  • Despite losing his non-contact red jersey on Friday, Kyle Van Noy missed the 1-on-1 drills against the offensive line for the second consecutive practice.
  • With David Andrews (hand) out of practice, Ted Karras was playing center with the starting offense in 11v11 periods. James Ferentz held the midfield when Karras, who returned from injury on Sunday, was picked up. deprived of stroke blocking exercises.
  • While Nelson Agholor returned after his undisclosed absence on Sunday, he was limited in Monday training. Agholor did not appear to participate in team exercises.
  • Kristian Wilkerson stayed busy again on Monday, but didn’t have the same success as on Sunday. It was the second day in a row he had led receivers into targets in team drills (7), but he only managed to carry two passes while registering two drops.
  • Kendrick Bourne continues to catch up with whatever is thrown at him and it looks like he will be a constant chain mover for the Patriots offense. For the second day in a row, Bourne caught all four of his targets in team drills.
  • Cornerback D’Angelo Ross appeared halfway through practice with full pads, but just watched from the sidelines with his helmet in hand. The cornerback has missed four straight practices but looks set to come back. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham also watched practice for the second day in a row.

That’s it for today’s training camp notebook. Make sure to follow @iambrianhines and @patspulpit on Twitter for all your training camp updates!



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