GAINESVILLE, Va. – While tournament host Tiger Woods was making plenty of noise in the group ahead, defending champion Justin Rose quietly posted a 5-under 66 Thursday to finish three off the lead at the Quicken Loans National.

His score could have been one lower, but Rose ended his day with a short miss for par on the 18th green.

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"The course was there for the taking," Rose said. "I also feel I was a little sloppy coming in on some decision-making. Stay a little more focused tomorrow."

The world No. 7 won the Quicken Loans National last year at Congressional and in 2010 at Aronimink. He won earlier this year in New Orleans and is coming off a T-6 at the Open.

"Optimistic to come out in the morning, good greens and keep it going," Rose said.