By John Sarianides
Here are some thoughts on today’s Patriots, Jaguars joint practice.
1. Malcolm Butler struggled in one on ones but was impressive in skelly and team. He did a great job of breaking on the ball and he made a couple of great plays along the side line.
2. Tom Brady struggled early on but was very impressive in the team portion of practice. He showed good touch and accuracy on two deep touchdown passes to Brandin Cooks and Chris Hogan.
3. Speaking of Cooks, he was very impressive in team and in the red zone passing period. Cooks caught a deep post for a touchdown and he made a filthy one handed catch in the back of the end zone during the red zone passing portion of practice.
4. The Patriots front seven was impressive throughout practice, especially in goal line situations. Rookie defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr ran with the first team throughout practice.
5. The tight ends once again struggled. Rob Gronkowski dropped the first pass in team period. Dwayne Allen dropped a touchdown in the back of the end zone during a red zone passing period. Allen has struggled throughout the off-season. He is playing his way on the bubble despite what the Patriots gave up for him.
6. The running backs ran hard and looked good in the passing game as well. Both James White and Rex Burkhead abused the Jaguars linebackers one on one in space.
7. Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns landed awkwardly on the side line after Malcolm Butler collided with him. He did not return.
8. Stephen Gostkowski continued to struggle. It begs the question. Should the Patriots bring in a veteran to give him a kick in the pants? I think they should.