Noteworthy Observations From Days 3 & 4 of Training Camp

With another two days of practices in the books, one with the team practicing in shells and the next back in full pads, we got to see some more standout performances from rookies, as well as the quarterback battle.
Let's take a look at some of the observations made during camp without overreacting to what we've seen and heard.
Cam Newton Pulling Away From the Pack?
After a tough day in shells on Wednesday in which he threw two interceptions, Newton had a strong day on Thursday. Per The Athletic's Jeff Howe, Newton got the most attempts among the quarterbacks at Thursday's practice, while Jarrett Stidham continued to struggle.
Cam Newton controlled the day for the QBs. He was 10 of 17. Hoyer was 7 of 16 with an interception. Stidham was 2 of 6 with two interceptions.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 20, 2020
Jeff Thomas and Anfernee Jennings Back at Practice
After missing the first several days of padded practices, undrafted rookie receiver Jeff Thomas and third-round pick Anfernee Jennings returned to practice Thursday, albeit in a limited fashion. There were also eight other players absent from Thursday's practice, three of which were newly absent: cornerback Stephon Gilmore, safety Adrian Phillips and offensive lineman Yodny Cajuste.
Not spotted at practice: N'Keal Harry, Adrian Phillips, Stephon Gilmore, Sony Michel, Lamar Miller, Yodny Cajuste, Beau Allen, Derek Rivers, Tashawn Bower
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) August 20, 2020
Phillips, Gilmore and Cajuste are new absences.
Jeff Thomas is here. Believe Anfernee Jennings is, too (in a new number)
Julian Edelman Limited Two Days in a Row
After being limited during Wednesday's practice, Edelman - age 34 - was limited yet again on Thursday. Those on-scene Thursday noticed something was a little off with the veteran receiver, but couldn't pinpoint what the issue was.
Julian Edelman was also limited today. Seems like he’s dealing with something
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 20, 2020
Kyle Dugger Continues to Impress
The defense has unsurprisingly been ahead of the defense this week, but one player that has stood out is 2020 second-round pick Kyle Dugger. On Wednesday, he had two interceptions and two pass breakups. Dugger seemingly had a quieter day on Thursday, but the fact that he's had such a strong start to camp after playing Div. 2 ball in college is extremely promising.
The defense was really good today
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 19, 2020
PBUs: Kyle Dugger (2), Terrence Brooks, Myles Bryant, JC Jackson, Bethel Johnson, Stephon Gilmore
INTs: Dugger (2), Cassh Maluia and Jackson
Simply put - Kyle Dugger (2 INTS, 2 PBUs) was one of the best players on the field
Cassh Maluia Has Been Money
Sorry, I'll leave the puns to the comedians. Anyway - one standout rookie linebacker is 2020 sixth-round pick Cassh Maluia. His sideline-to-sideline speed on the field has helped him generate turnovers and be very productive among a decimated linebacker room.
Cassh Maluia dropped into a zone and leaped to intercept Cam Newton’s bid for Isaiah Zuber in 7 on 7s. Nice read by the rookie linebacker.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 19, 2020
Terez Hall was in on back-to-back goal-line stops to end practice. Walloped J.J. Taylor in the hole on one of them.
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) August 20, 2020
Cassh Maluia also made a nice tackle on Jakob Johnson in the flat to prevent a TD.
Justin Herron Becoming Realistic Option at Right Tackle
With the Patriots continuing to explore their options at right tackle, sixth-round pick Justin Herron had a strong practice Thursday. According to NBC Sports' Phil Perry, Herron looked very strong during 1-on-1 reps against second-round pick Josh Uche and Chase Winovich, both of which could very well be the team's two best pass rushers this year.
Justin Herron was impressive in 1-on-1 reps today against Chase Winovich and Josh Uche. The sixth-rounder out of Wake Forest could be working his way into the right tackle conversation. Jermaine Eluemunor still looks like he has the inside track, but Herron looked strong today.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 20, 2020
