The Patriots held their sixth practice on Tuesday. It was a warm, humid day that challenged the players, coaches, fans and media alike. Despite the warm conditions, it was another productive practice for the team.

Here are some observations from today’s practice.

Offensive expansion: Today we saw the Patriots offensive install go to another level with the addition of quarterback runs and some built in RPO’s off the run game. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels promised us a more expanded version of the Patriots traditional East Coast Offense and we have seen that so far, especially today. Back up quarterback Joshua Dobbs said McDaniels wants to tap into the athleticism of the quarterbacks.

“Josh has explained he wants to use our skill set, our athleticism, in the position as another way to keep the defense on their heels,” Obviously, situationally, when we need it, we’ll be able to pull it out and make plays with our legs. But outside of that we’ll make sure we run the right play and pick defenses apart.”

Injury watch: Christian Gonzalez was in civies and did not practice. Morgan Moses left practice early but it was an odd departure because he did not appear hurt. Center Garrett Bradbury also got nicked up at the end of practice. Gonzalez appeared to be walking fine when he came out towards the end of practice. If initial impressions mean anything, it does not appear to be long term.

The good news. Tight end Austin Hooper returned to practice but was limited to individual and group periods. Christian Barmore returned and his return was ramped up.

Rookies continue to shine: Both wide receiver Kyle Williams and center Jared Wilson had good practices today. Wilson more than held his own both in individual drills versus the defensive line and in team. He matched up against Milton Williams and Christian Barmore in one on one’s and had good, competitive reps. Williams speed continues to show especially on the outside when he is lined up at the Z or the X. He is going to be a match up piece for McDaniels as he develops.

Mixed bag for Maye: The offense had an up and down day and the inconsistency bug even bit Maye who held the ball a couple of times, had another fumbled exchange in the red zone and missed some receivers. Maye has had a really good camp and he is adapting to McDaniels offense well but there was some inconsistency today. The fumble exchanges have been an issue with both Bradbury and Wilson and they need to be cleaned up.

Defense wins the day overall: The defense had a solid practice despite missing its two top corners and getting limited reps from Barmore inside. They once again got consistent pressure on Maye and despite giving up plays on the outside, the secondary did a good job mastering. EDGE Harold Landry said after practice that he was pleased with the performance of the defense calling today’s performance a “Big Day.”

Quick Hits:
The running game was better today, specifically in the red zone but it has a ways to go. It has not been as physical as you’d like.

Several rookies continue to quietly impress like tight end Gee Scott and third string quarterback Ben Wooldridge

It is early, but Milton Williams has had to acclimate to the pads in both group and team settings.

Defensive tackle Khyris Tonga reinforced what we knew about the Patriots defensive scheme. It’s about being aggressive and taking gaps.

“It’s all about beating your one on one early. The trenches get really ugly. It is whoever is in front of you and don’t get moved.”

The competition at wide receiver has been well documented and now Javon Baker has entered the mix after another solid practice.