It was Day 11 of Patriots Training Camp and the weather was the story as it poured most of practice. The inclement weather did not really impact the team. They seemed to be handling it well for the most part. 

Some might question practicing in these conditions so early in the season but you need to practice in the elements. You can never have enough rain practices. Especially this time of year.

Here are five players who impressed me and five players who made a little sad or depressed shall we say. 

5 Who Impressed

Mike Gesicki- Gesicki ran good routes all practice long despite the elements and constantly getting jammed by the safeties. He caught the well especially in contested catch situations. I asked Gesicki after practice if he is getting comfortable with the Patriots scheme.

“Yeah. Obviously there’s going to be a learning curve and things you can get better at but I feel right at home, I feel comfortable and confident.”

It shows. Gesicki has been one of the Patriots most consistent performers in this camp. 

Scottie Washington- Washington ran good routes and made two great catches on the day. He offers some versatility in that he can be a big blocking receiver and a big receiving target in the red zone. The Patriots really like him so we’ll get a better sense of how they use him on Thursday night. 

Malik Cunningham- Cunningham played quarterback for the first time at practice and looked good. He threw the ball well on the run and he ran the ball as well. It will be interesting to see if Cunningham gets under center on Thursday night. 

Marcus Jones- I would argue Jones had his best practice if training camp. He did a good job in coverage and in the return game. He hit the hole quickly in the return game and defensively he had an interception of Mac Jones in a team period and PBU on a deep ball to Tre Nixon. A good overall practice for Jones. 

Christian Barmore- Barmore was disruptive inside especially as a pass blocker. He did a good job of stacking and shedding blocks and getting separation from blockers. It was one of his best practices of the summer. 

5 Who Depressed Me

The Weather-The weather isn’t a player obviously but it was depressing sitting in the tent and then getting soaked during the post practice interview portion. Despite that, we persevered and delivered content.  

Kendrick Bourne- Bourne had 3 drops early but finished with 4 catches and a touchdown. He had a good afternoon but it was frustrating to watch early. We’ll blame it on the weather I guess. 

Nick Folk- Struggling from distance. He misses a field goal and his distance kicks don’t have as much pop behind them. He looks his age at times. 

Matthew Judon- I am reaching here a bit as he is working his way back. It is still early in camp for Judon so he is working out the kinks both as a pass rusher and in coverage. I suspect he’ll be better with each passing day both as a pass rusher and in coverage. 

Safeties- Tough day at the office. The offense was able to attack the middle of the field effectively in the passing game throughout practice. The safeties had a tough time maintaining position once they matched up regardless of coverage. The field conditions didn’t help.