FOXBOROUGH, Mass — It was another beautiful day at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots held the second day of training camp. And with that, the competition has wasted no time beginning as the offense and defense battled it out.
But it was quickly clear what direction things were headed in as the defense came out firing. And they won the day, but there's no reason to fear just yet.
"Usually a lot of times in training camp, the defense sometimes is ahead of the offense a little bit," safety Kevin Byard told reporters after practice. "Even though you do have some dynamic players over there, we’re a little bit ahead, so obviously making some plays. But when the pads come on and days get into training camp, I expect those guys to start making a lot more
plays."
So, let's get into the top takeaways from Sunday:
1. Craig Woodson records first interception of training camp
Craig Woodson is wasting no time building off his impressive rookie season, recording the first interception of training camp. Drake Maye sent a pass intended for A.J. Brown, but the ball bounced off his hands and instead was right there for Woodson to snag.
Carlton Davis also finished with a pass breakup on a pass intended for Romeo Doubs, while Milton Williams got one by batting down the ball at the line of scrimmage.
2. Another day, another Kayshon Boutte highlight catch
It's been two days of camp so far, and during both, it was Kayshon Boutte who delivered the catches of the day. After a 40-50 yard reception on Saturday, he followed it up with a back shoulder catch along the sideline, making a point to stay in bounds while Carlton Davis was in tight coverage.
“Kayshon’s a deep threat guy,” Byard said. “He’s a guy that does a very good job tracking the ball down the field.”
3. Morgan Moses sidelined
Head coach Mike Vrabel detailed what the plan for Morgan Moses will be for the season as the veteran tackle is entering his 13th year in the league, saying that it will be "unique." And with that, it will likely include plenty of rest days, with Sunday a likely one, as Moses was with the team at the start of practice but did not take part in team drills.
With Moses out, rookie Caleb Lomu was with the starting offensive line at right tackle. He also took reps at jumbo tight end, which could be a role for him this upcoming season as the team's top swing tackle.
4. Gabe Jacas is in Foxborough, but not at practice just yet
After a drawn-out situation involving second-round pick Gabe Jacas and his contract, news broke during the first day of training camp that things were resolved. And on Sunday, he was in the building, with the Patriots posting a photo of Jacas signing the deal. So with that, many wondered if he would be out at practice, but the rookie edge defender was not spotted.
5. Andy Borregales starts on a high note
The Patriots held a field goal period during Sunday's practice, providing Andy Borregales with his first real opportunities of training camp. Last summer, Borregales was battling for the position, so he was splitting reps. But now, as the only kicker on the roster, he took all six attempts. And he made them all, going six-for-six.
6. Quarterback stats
Drake Maye: 6-of-12, INT
Tommy DeVito: 6-of-8
Behren Morton: 5-of-6
7. Attendance
Absent: ED Gabe Jacas, WR Jeremiah Webb, FB Reggie Gilliam
PUP: TE C.J. Dippre, ED Harold Landry III,
NFI: S Brenden Schooler, RB Terrell Jennings
What's next?
The Patriots will hold their third training camp practice on Monday, July 27, which will be a walkthrough.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 7 takeaways from Day 2 of Patriots training camp
