Here's a quick rundown of what people have been saying about the Patriots' first joint practice against the Washington Redskins.
Absent: Rob Gronkowski, Dominique Easley, and Brandon Bolden are some notable names who weren't seen. Gronk didn't even make the trip, while fellow tight end Michael Hoomanawanui didn't show up either.
It's likely both tight ends were held out as they're considered locks for the team; this will allow D.J. Williams, Justin Jones, Asa Watson, and James Develin more time with the first team to state their case to make the roster.
Lots of positive feedback surrounding Ryan Mallett's day, with NFL Network Mike Mayock (full disclosure: Mayock and Bill Belichick are close as Mayock played for the Hoodie on the Giants) saying that he was "blown away" and that he "saw a legitimate NFL Starting QB."
Others were less than excited about Mallett's decision making, with a few poorly thrown balls in traffic resulting in turnovers.
Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald noted that Julian Edelman was heavily involved in the passing game, while Stevan Ridley was the best running back on the field. He also notes that Dont'a Hightower was active in the pass rush, potentially providing an answer as to which player will step up as a potential defensive end #3.
Mike Giardi of CSNNE pointed out that Brady focuses on Edelman, Shane Vereen, and Brandon LaFell in the two-minute drill. LaFell could do well to "catch the ball a little cleaner", but the fact that he was on that unit speaks well for his potential involvement this upcoming season.
The Herald's Howe noted a drop for Kebrell Thompkins, with LaFell second on the team in targets (behind Edelman and tied with Thompkins). Danny Amendola and Vereen were tied for the third most targets. James White saw two targets of his own.
ESPN's John Keim noted how well the Patriots offensive line held up against the Redskins top notch defensive ends.
Multiple notes of how well Darrelle Revis looked on the field and how he enjoyed playing against top competition like DeSean Jackson. Per CSNNE's Giardi, he only saw one completion against Revis in coverage to Jackson. ESPN's Keim said Brandon Browner would have been flagged numerous times for holding.
Lots of folks on the Washington beat noted how well the Patriots defensive line was able to generate pressure against Robert Griffin III, a factor that hopefully carries forward, especially with the potential addition of Easley.
Per Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington, Brady was "surgical. Putting on a clinic. Passes right in receivers' hands, just out of defenders' reach." Glad to see Brady is starting the year off on a positive note, with clear echoes of how Brady looked against the Philadelphia Eagles in last season's joint practices.
Multiple reports of Vince Wilfork looking trim and moving around well.
No reports of injury on the Patriots, Washington receiver Pierre Garcon tweaked his hamstring.
Positive day overall. More notes to come when they surface.