Training Camp Observations for a Muggy Monday Morning

Mike Reiss offers five insightful notes from Day 12, first practice.

Eyes on the pass rushers. There was some solid one-on-one pass-rushing work to digest in this session, with the five offensive linemen lined up and one pass rusher isolated against one of the blockers at the snap. Richard Seymour looked un-blockable at times; on one snap, he bulldozed rookie Rich Ohrnberger back into the orange cone that was the "quarterback." Sixth-round draft choice Myron Pryor also showed some quickness when lined up over the guard, although he seemed easier contained when over the center.

Erik Scalavino presents his quick hits from the a.m. full-pads session.

The Play of the day was made by rookie WR Terrence Nunn, who continues his training camp hot streak.  During 7-on-7 work, Nunn ran a go-route down the numbers on the right side, with fellow rookie Darius Butler covering. Rookie QB Brian Hoyer lofted a pass Nunn’s way, but it was slightly behind him. When Nunn looked up and noticed where the ball was, he adjusted by leaping and twisting his body counter-clockwise. As he secured the ball with both hands, his body nearly parallel to the ground, Nunn was crunched simultaneously by Butler and rookie safety Pat Chung. Nunn held on, however, and, for his effort, received a raucous applause from the crowd.  Nunn made another spectacular catch on a pass thrown behind him in 11-on-11 action. He reached back with both hands and snagged the ball right before it appeared that it was headed for an interception.

Christopher Price offers his updates from camp, probably the hottest day so far with temps in the 90s.

The battle for the No. 2 quarterback spot rages on, but I have to believe based on what we’ve seen so far, Walter has usurped Kevin O’Connell for the role of primary backup. Walter looked smooth in drills (Coach Bill Belichick just remarked Walter "looks more comfortable in the huddle each day"), and O’Connell looked to have another tough morning. He overshot a wide open Tyson DeVree in 7-on-7 drills, and later had two bad throws that were easily picked off — one by safety Brandon Meriweather and another by cornerback Leigh Bodden. (In the interest of equal time, O’Connell did have a nice connection to wide receiver Shun White down the sidelines later in practice.)

Shalise Manza Young wraps up the full heat, full pads practice, noting "thus far in terms of camp reports from around the league, Bill Belichick is certainly holding one of the toughest camps in terms of physical demands on the players."

Ty Warren impressed, chasing Edelman downfield after a reception by the rookie, and showing that the extra two weeks the training staff had him wait before getting onto the field was well worth it; Adalius Thomas also flashed his speed, chasing down Nunn after a screen pass and pushing him out of bounds at the 5, about 30 yards from the initial play.

Ian Rapoport checks in after the morning's workout.

Tight end Benjamin Watson was back at practice after missing about a week. He needed to be, considering the competition at his crowded position.

LB Shawn Crable made his big return from the PUP yesterday, then wasn’t in the house today. So much for his claim to be healthy… (Bill Belichick didn’t seem to indicate there was a major problem. Wonder if he’ll be back out for the afternoon…)