So Sunday the 8th, I took an opportunity to drive to Foxborough and see Patriots training camp.
First guy out was undrafted free agent kicker Quinn Nordin. Only UDFA guy in camp and he’s trying to unseat the venerable Nick Folk.
Patriots 1st round pick Mac Jones trots on to the field.
Yeah, some guy had a (punter) Jake Bailey jersey on, but the real issue for me was the guy in the background wearing an Ochocinco jersey.
Jones warms up while 3rd year QB Jarrett Stidham watches. Stidham, once the heir apparent to Tom Brady, had back surgery recently to alleviate pain when throwing the ball and should be available in the middle of the season.
During some kind of pass-rush or line drill, ex-linebacker Jerod Mayo (no hat) stands next to ex-defensive coordinator and current very large man Matt Patricia.
In an offense only drill with coaches occupying defensive positions, Mac Jones drops back to pass.
The quarterbacks all did this - practiced taking the snap from center.
Ex - Patriots receiver Troy Brown coaches 2nd year tight end Devin Asiasi.
Then it was 3rd year receiver (and undrafted free agent) Jakobi Meyers’s turn. Coach Brown looks like he’s in much better shape than wide receiver Troy Brown ever was.
A currently nameless coach works with tight end Matt LaCosse
Brown continues his work with wide receiver Gunner Olszewski, another undrafted free agent.
Simon says: hands on hips.
Quarterback Cam Newton celebrates with 3rd year wide receiver N’Keal Harry after Harry made a spectacular catch of a Newton pass.
Punt blocking drill.
Punter Jake Bailey, who made the Pro Bowl last year.
Gunner Olszewski is also a punt returner. Here, he calls for a fair catch.
N’Keal Harry heads out on a route.
Left Tackle Trent Brown is still a large man.
Mac Jones and Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Josh McDaniels hung out a lot.
These drills are called ‘7 on 7s’, but my teachers at Elden H Johnson Elementary School in Weymouth would have said they were 6 on 8s as there were 6 offensive players and 8 defensive ones.
At the conclusion of practice, Head Coach Bill Belichick is the center of attention.
Coach McDaniels has a few words with his position group - Brian Hoyer, Mac Jones, Jarrett Stidham, Cam Newton and Jake Dolegala. Sadly Dolegala was waived the day after this.
Last 2 guys off the field - Jones and Olszewski.