Just wanted to throw up a quick post that stated the obvious. It is very hot here. It is very humid here. And it is very bright here. Tonight’s game will be a very good test for the players (especially the younger guys who will see more significant action) in terms of conditioning. I will really be keeping an eye on the younger linemen on both sides of the ball. Those big guys will see a lot of action in the second half and will prove a lot if they don’t get worn down with the heat and the humidity.

I know I couldn’t make it. I just jogged three laps outside around the nature preserve near out hotel and wanted to puke. Of course I’m hoping the players are in better shape than I am at this point. Anyway here’s a quick list of the guys I’ll be keeping a keen eye on tonight.

Josh Miller/Danny Baugher — Game action against a real rush in front of a real crowd will put the test to these two finalists for the punting job. Miller will get the benefit of the doubt as  the vet, but Baugher can make a push with a nice effort.

Nick Kaczur/Ryan O’Callaghan/Wesley Britt — My guess is the Kaczur/O’Callaghan battle will go down to the wire in camp. But this is the first time we’ll see these guys in significant game action. This battle is one of the few starting jobs up for grabs.

James Sanders — He’s had a great camp. His coverage is better. He’s playing with an aggressive confidence. I hope that continues against the Bucs.

Cornerbacks — Nothing is set in stone across from Ellis Hobbs. There is not only a starting job to be won, but also a battle to fill in the rest of the depth chart at the stop.

 Those are just a sampling of things to keep an eye on tonight. Enjoy the game and stay out of the heat. The players don’t have that option, but we do.

Practice is winding down and we’re packing up to go. That’s it for this week’s practices. Have fun Friday night. Football is back baby.

With both Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green missing from practice, Mike Wright has handled the reps with the first unit at right defensive end. Looking to the second group, Santanio Thomas is working at right end, Zach West is at the nose and Kenny “Big” Smith is working at left end.

As Bill Belichick predicted, we’ve moved on to a little two-minute work. Tom Brady just led a group made up of many second teamers to a 40-plus field goal attempt that was converted by Stephen Gostkowski. The second-year kicker then connected a few mintues later on a 50-plus attempt. So far in camp Gostkowski has been far more accurate on the long attempts than those in the 30-plus range.

He just hit again from 45 yards.

And Reche Caldwell remained hot to set up the kick, beating Ellis Hobbs on a deep in cut with a nice lunging catch. After not showing up early in camp, Caldwell is making his presence known as the team’s. After all, the guy did lead the team in catches a year ago and had a career year, even if all people seem to remember is his performance in Indy.

James Sanders just came down with the one-handed interception of a Tom Brady pass into the right side of the end zone. Brady was looking for Reche Caldwell on the play from about 35 yards out. Randall Gay helped knocked the ball in the air and Sanders reacted as the ball came down by his left shoulder to make the one-handed pick. Sanders has had a very active afternoon on defense.