Watch: Nearly Half Hour Video From Patriots First Padded Practice

The New England Patriots enjoyed their first padded practice and it was brilliant. This was the closest players have gotten to real football this year. The pads are on and players took part in a good session of hitting. They all enjoyed the physical, pounding, punishing football. Foxboro was on fire, and there’s a video of the amazing practice.

In the first padded practice of the summer, Patriots players focused on refining their run game and punt team around some occasional passing units. Quarterbacks Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, and Brian Hoyer had reps split in drills and team periods. The rest of the players rotated and two rookies did better than their teammates.

Hoyer had an impressive game. In a rare rep of full speed, the veteran journeyman did a nice play-action fake. Hoyer whipped around and stared downfield in a big pocket. He analyzed the field and unloaded an amazing 50-yard pass to his right. Second-year player Devin Ross went down right on time to collect the ball against the sideline. Ross defeated cornerback Joejuan Williams who rushed straight by. Ross maintained a possession at the ground in the best win for the offense all practice.

Several players excelled in the Patriots padded practice

Running back Damien Harris was consistent and head coach Bill Belichick liked his production. He had a good game, and the Patriots need it in 2020. Analysts agree that Harris was the player of the day.

Harris made good reads during the first live team drills related to the run game. He broke free on multiple occasions. Newton hit him with a few check-down passes. This includes a smooth 2-minute drill. Guess what… Harris was able to catch every pass thrown his way.

The running back looks really dynamic in his second year with the team. Harris benefited from the absences of Michel and Miller, taking all the first reps they would have split in any other practice.

Justin Rohrwasser went 3-of-5 in his only field-goal period of practice. His attempts went from 45-47 yards.

The Patriots noticed Newton’s ability to add a new dimension to the running game.