Training camp day 2: Matt Lynch shines in 7-on-7

Offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu conducts drills at practice. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova/Staff photographer

Offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu conducts drills at practice. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova/Staff photographer

Here’s my main story for the day on what Ishmael Adams and Kennedy Polamalu have in common and how that comes out on the field.

Smaller notebook items on the depth at wide receiver, the running back competition and the deal with the No. 1 jersey.

A column from Mark Whicker about Conor McDermott and Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett. It includes an amusing quote from McDermott’s mom about her son going through the lunch line multiple times in high school to put on weight.

Photos from day 2.

Video interviews:

Notes/observations from practice:

  • No changes in the first-string defense from Monday except for switching Isaako Savaiinaea and Kenny Young at middle linebacker. Savaiinaea started with the first-string today after Young got his turn yesterday. The two will alternate reps at middle linebacker while they compete for the starting job.
  • In a brief glimpse at one-on-ones, I saw Mike Fafaul drop a dime to Adams. The throw was perfectly placed on the sideline away from the defender and it even earned a small round of applause from Josh Rosen.
  • Fafaul also had a nice throw during the first team period to Ainuu Taua after the fullback beat Mique Juarez on the route. It was the second big play for Taua in the passing game in as many days. It’s a lot of fun watching Taua (5-foot-11, 295 pounds) in the passing game, honestly. I hope we see more of him there.
  • Another really good day against the second-string offensive line for Deon Hollins. He got in the backfield almost at will. Takkarist McKinley also won a few battles with Conor McDermott on the left side.
  • Theo Howard seemed to tweak his hamstring during 7-on-7s during the second half of practice. When asked about the injury, Polamalu said he wasn’t sure of the extent, but didn’t seem worried because he thought Howard was able to finish practice with the group.
  • Matt Lynch had a really nice series during 7-on-7s in which he completed all four of his pass attempts. He completed a nice pass to tight end Jordan Wilson as he placed the ball between two defenders and had a good touchdown pass to Adams on another well-placed ball. After his series, Lynch got many congratulatory high-fives from Yarber.
  • A rough day for placekickers: J.J. Molson went 2-for-4 and Andrew Strauch was 1-for-3. All kicks were from about 30 yards out. Those were the first kicks Molson has missed in open practice since the second-to-last week of spring camp. He finished the spring with a perfect kicking streak in the final week then hit all his kicks on the first day of camp.