New England Patriots: Five Things To Watch For In Joint Practices With The Washington Redskins

Jul 24, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end

(87) runs through drills during training camp at the team practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

2. Confidence boost for pass offense

One of the negative parts about New England’s secondary wreaking havoc in camp has to be the confidence of Tom Brady‘s aerial attack. Now, I am sure they aren’t too down, because Brady and company have won quite a few battles themselves, but they certainly aren’t brimming with confidence the way they would been have if Revis and Browner weren’t in Foxboro.

But as they prepare to face off with Washington, I don’t think they will have any problems with gaining some confidence after going up against their secondary for a few days. Washington ranked 20th in the NFL in pass defense in 2013, and didn’t do much to improve it over the course of this offseason. I expect Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola to have field days over the middle, and Kenbrell Thompkins and Brandon LaFell should do fine as well.

Rob Gronkowski will probably not be participating in any of the physical aspect of these practices (Skins dodged a bullet there), but mental reps are important as well, which should only help his road back to 100% health. Gronk isn’t expected to play in any of the preseason games, as the Pats want him completely healthy for the regular season.