FOXBORO, Mass. — You wouldn’t know Tom Brady was facing a four-game suspension and pending lawsuit by watching him during New England Patriots training camp Thursday.
Brady and second-year pro Jimmy Garoppolo were impressive during team drills in the Patriots’ first training camp session of the season. The Patriots didn’t wear pads, but they still participated in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
— Brady went 9 of 9 in 7-on-7s, while Garoppolo went 9 of 10 with an interception.
— Brady was 16 of 20 in 11-on-11s, while Garoppolo went 19 of 27.
— Wide receiver Julian Edelman caught nine of Brady’s 25 throws during the practice session. Tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Scott Chandler also were favorite targets of Brady’s.
— Rookie safety Jordan Richards picked off Garoppolo in the defense’s only turnover.
— Garoppolo spread the ball around well, but wide receiver Josh Boyce was a favorite target for both quarterbacks.
— Wide receiver Brian Tyms struggled in the last minicamp session, but he caught everything thrown his way Thursday at training camp as he continues to compete with Aaron Dobson, who also had a solid practice, for the No. 4 receiver role.
— The two quarterbacks split throws fairly evenly, but Brady clearly took his reps first and mostly worked with what appeared to be the first-team offense. It was business as usual for the quarterbacks, despite Brady’s potential suspension.
— Gronkowski used his size, power and solid hands to overpower safety Tavon Wilson on a touchdown throw from Garoppolo. Wilson recovered nicely and made a solid pass breakup three plays later on a pass from Brady.
— Fans went crazy when the Brady handed the ball off to running back Brandon Bolden, who then lateraled to Edelman, who tossed a touchdown pass to Brady. Brady caught the ball with one hand and tiptoed down the sideline for the touchdown.
— The Patriots weren’t wearing jersey numbers, which made it difficult for fans and the media to keep track of players at practice.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
