He's a leaner Green this summer.
Defensive linemanJarvis Greentold reporters after Tuesday's practice that he has indeed dropped a few lbs this offseason, of his own volition.
"I just wanted to get a little lighter. Get ready for the beach, you know?" he laughed.
Normally a 285-pounder, Green estimates he's down to about 280 – an effort he conceded he had to work hard to achieve while recuperating from offseason shoulder surgery.
"Usually, when you have surgery, guys tend to eat more. You're eating bon-bons watching the soaps. But I'm feeling better … a lot better compared to two years ago, when I had my rotator cuff surgery. I'm feeling pretty good right now, really strong and had a good offseason workout."
Now in his seventh NFL season (all with the Patriots), Green has become a reliable reserve in sub packages, and has done yeoman's work when called on to start on occasion. Still, he feels that camp practices are necessary to get ready for each new season.
Having been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list until last night, Green has been eager to get back to work with his teammates in training camp.
"It's been a long time waiting. It feels good to get the pads back on for the second day. Just to get with the guys and get the timing down, that's a big thing. It'll take a few days. Every day that you miss is a day that you could forget some things. This is my seventh season and you're always learning something new. You've got to stay on top of things and learn the ins and outs of everything."
In Super Bowl XLII, Green had a chance to seal the game for the Pats on that now-infamous desperation pass from Eli Manning to David Tyree. It's moments like that for which Green looks for ways to improve his own game and that of his entire team.
"Every year, schemes evolve, and we've got to find ways not to lose. Last year, we didn't win the last game, so we've got to figure out how to play better to win those games."
For now, Green's just looking forward to his next game experience, whenever that may be.
"Just taking it one day at a time," he said. "Hopefully, I can play this week. If not, I'll play next week."
Tuesday Notebook
Who's Hot
TE David Thomas
He made a pair of spectacular one-handed catches during practice, making up for an earlier drop and a false start penalty during live scrimmaging.
Who's Not
The defense
The entire defense was forced to run a lap after the offense completed a well-executed screen pass in full-squad action. A few defensive assistant coaches took part in the lap as well.
Play of the Day
Brady to Watson TDDuring the 2-minute drill, the offense had the ball just inside the red zone. QB Tom Brady dropped back to pass, firing a strike over the middle to TE Benjamin Watson, who ran a pattern straight for the goalposts. Despite perfect coverage from rookie LB Jerod Mayo, the pass sailed just over his head and into the waiting hands of Watson, who hauled it in for the touchdown.
More notes
CB Ellis Hobbshas been working his way back into the starting lineup of late. The fourth-year pro out of Iowa State has been getting more and more reps at his normal spot on the right side. After Tuesday's session, he was asked about the new-look AFC East, which features several big-name players who've either come to the division or moved within it.
"Everybody reloads every season," noted Hobbs. "The turnover rate is tremendous in the NFL. Teams change because the objective is to win. We've come out on top of our division the past few years. Now everybody's gunning [for us], making their rosters better. So, it's definitely going t be a competitive division."
Specifically, he was asked about facing former Packers QB Brett Favre, now a New York Jet, twice a year.
"Well, you're always looking forward to playing the best of the best. And he's in the upper echelon and we look forward to challenging him."
No-shows: Several players were absent from the afternoon workout, which took place outside from 2:30 to 4:30. They were QB Matt Gutierrez, WR Kelley Washington, CB Jason Webster, CB Jonathan Wilhite, DB Antwain Spann, DB Lewis Sanders, RB LaMont Jordan, CB Mike Richardson, S Rodney Harrison, RB Kyle Eckel, G Stephen Neal, T Ryan O'Callaghan, T Oliver Ross, OL Russ Hochstein, T Matt Light, TE Stephen Spach, WR Sam Aiken, DL Le Kevin Smith, and DL Mike Wright.
In 11-on-11 play, rookie RB BenJarvus Green-Ellishad a long touchdown run after some good blocking from his offensive line. The left tackle and guard opened up a huge hole for Green-Ellis, who took the handoff, read the block just right, and shot through the gap for a run of about 60 yards.
Later in that same portion of practice, Brady threw a deep touchdown pass toC.J. Jones. The ball was slightly under-thrown, but Jones made a great adjustment against DB Brandon Meriweather, who was a step behind on the play.
Rookie corner Terrence Wheatleycontinues to impress. He's been consistently providing tight coverage on nearly every receiver he faces and has shown a knack for breaking up passes at the last second. In three-on-three passing drills, for example, Wheatley made a nice pass deflection against WR Wes Welker in the red zone.
In the LB-vs-RB/TE pass rush drill, LB Adalius Thomasgot the best of Watson. LBTedy Bruschibeat FB Heath Evansthe first time around, but Evans redeemed himself on the second effort. Rookie LB Gary Guytonmade a great fake move against RB Laurence Maroney, who completely missed the block. Fellow rookie LB Jerod Mayohad his way with RB Kevin Faulk. Later, LB Victor Hobsongot to the QB after handling RB Sammy Morris.
Another tough day for WRChad Jackson. He broke free on a long route in 7-on-7 passing, but Brady's perfect pass went right through Jackson's hands. The play would have easily gone for a touchdown, as the nearest defender was about five yards behind Jackson down inside the 20.
Former New York Giants quarterback and Super Bowl champion Jeff Hostetlermade an appearance late in the afternoon. He took to the practice field in shorts and a polo shirt and was immediately greeted by former teammate Pepper Johnson, now the Pats' D-line coach. Hostetler's nephew, rookie TE Jonathan Stupar, is fighting for a spot on the roster. Afterwards, Hostetler chatted with Stupar and rookie QB Kevin O'Connell.
