Patriots training camp: Cam Newton dominates quarterback reps on Day 8

FOXBORO – On Day 8 of Patriots training camp, the team slowed down the pace after a hard-hitting practice on Monday. Tuesday, however, brought a new element to practice – crowd noise.

On this day, the staff pumped in crowd noise at practice for the first time in camp. It sounded different – more like scattered noise with random people clapping – but was a reminder that this season will be different. The Patriots won’t have any fans at their home games [...]

FOXBORO – On Day 8 of Patriots training camp, the team slowed down the pace after a hard-hitting practice on Monday. Tuesday, however, brought a new element to practice – crowd noise.

On this day, the staff pumped in crowd noise at practice for the first time in camp. It sounded different – more like scattered noise with random people clapping – but was a reminder that this season will be different. The Patriots won’t have any fans at their home games in September and it’s possible this is a preview of what those games might sound like if the team choices to pump in crowd noise.

For the third practice in a row, Cam Newton dominated the quarterback reps. It would be a surprise at this point if he wasn’t the Patriots starting quarterback. He started 3/4 in 7-on-7s and was audibly happy with catches from N’Keal Harry (over Jason McCourty) and Gunner Olszewski (over Jonathan Jones). In 11-on-11s, Newton went 14/20.

One highlight was a 30-plus-yard pass to 5-foot-6 rookie back J.J. Taylor. Newton let out another loud yell after the undrafted back got behind Ja’Whaun Bentley to make the nice grab. At the end of practice, Newton was the only quarterback to take part in the 2-minute drill.

Jarrett Stidham received more reps on Tuesday than he had in the previous three practices. The quarterback started 1/2 in 7-on-7s and then a perfect 6/6 in full-team drills. Stidham threw the ball well.

Brian Hoyer went 2/2 in 7-on-7s and then 7/13 in full-team work.

The kicking competition is in full swing. Nick Folk connected on all three field goal attempts he took on the regulation size field goal posts. Justin Rohrwasser went 2/3 from the same distance. At the end of practice, Folk took one more rep and missed, but the field goal posts were skinnier.

Things got heated on Tuesday between Harry and Michael Jackson. The pair were locked up on a blocking drill when Harry drove Jackson into the ground. It looked like Jackson popped up and took a swing at Harry before the pair had to be separated.

In 1-on-1 drills, multiple receivers stood out. Mohamed Sanu stuck out going 3-1. His lone loss came against Jason McCourty, who deflected the pass. Harry made a nice grab over JoeJuan Williams, but was shutdown by J.C. Jackson on the next two reps as the corner swatted both passes away. Both Damiere Byrd and Isaiah Zuber both went 3-0 against the cornerbacks.

Stephon Gilmore returned to practice after missing the last four sessions due to a personal reason. The team also got back undrafted rookie tight end Jake Burt. Julian Edelman highlighted the list of players who were missing. This is his second absence of the summer. Devin Ross missed his first practice of the summer and was out along with Adrian Phillips, Sony Michel, Lamar Miller, Yodny Cajuste, Will Hastings, Jeff Thomas and Beau Allen. Kyle Dugger, Jakobi Meyers and Terez Hall were limited.

Rookie tight end Devin Asiasi suffered a lower body injury in practice. The rookie came off the field limping and was immediately seen by the trainers. It looked like they took off his right cleat. Patriots doctor Jim Whalen also came over to check out Asiasi. After around 10 minutes, Asiasi’s right foot was tapped up again. He jogged a little on the sideline, but didn’t return to practice.

mdaniels@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @MarkDanielsPJ