Patriots Training Camp Observations: Darryl Roberts Stars In Sloppy Practice

FOXBORO, Mass. — Day 11 of New England Patriots training camp was a mess.

The rain probably didn’t help, nor did the multitude of injuries and Tom Brady’s absence, but the Patriots’ offense was inexcusably sloppy Tuesday.

Jimmy Garoppolo completed 10 of 16 passes in 7-on-7s and 12 of 20 with two interceptions in 11-on-11s, while third-stringer Ryan Lindley was 4 of 12 with an interception in 11-on-11s and 6 of 8 in 7-on-7s to end practice.

It wasn’t all Garoppolo and Lindley’s fault, however. Both of Garoppolo’s interceptions were deflected off the hands of offensive players. Safety Tavon Wilson picked off a Garoppolo pass after it clanged off tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, and Devin McCourty intercepted the second-year pro’s pass that bounced off tight end Logan Stokes.

Lindley was targeting wide receiver Chris Harper on his interception. Rookie cornerback Darryl Roberts deflected the pass and Wilson picked it out of the air. It was a good day to be a Patriots defensive back.

— Tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receivers Chris D’Orazio, Brian Tyms and Jonathan Krause had drops in practice.

— Roberts recorded four pass breakups during the two-hour session. The rookie is making a strong case to be the No. 5 cornerback on the Patriots’ roster.

— Cornerbacks Logan Ryan and Daxton Swanson and linebacker Jamie Collins also had pass deflections.

— Defensive linemen Zach Moore and Dominique Easley won pass-rush drills against Jordan Devey and Shaq Mason, respectively.

— Running back Brandon Bolden, wide receiver Brandon Gibson and tight end Jimmay Mundine were three offensive players who didn’t make obvious mistakes during practice.

— Defensive lineman Alan Branch still is limited in practice despite coming off the non-football injury list. He worked on the side field before returning to the main practice field to work in full-contact 11-on-11s.

— Wide receivers Matthew Slater and Brian Tyms and linebacker Dont’a Hightower continue to wear red non-contact jerseys.

Thumbnail photo via Michael Shroyer/USA TODAY Sports Images