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Thought it might be nice to keep all the commentary in one thread where folks can track and compare the reporting. Media has access to all 3 days. BB will do his final 3 pressers before TC at 11:30 AM Tues-Thurs (time always approximate and Bill is usually late) which will be shown live on the team website followed by practice (scheduled to last about 90 minutes) and then media access to players around 2PM.
Reiss has his primer on what to watch for up.
Quote:
Gauging the health of key players. Bill Belichick traditionally opens training camp with a handful of players on the active/physically unable to perform list, and the candidates this year will likely come from those who don't take part in the camp. Players who haven't practiced in recent weeks include guard Logan Mankins (ACL), offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (ankle), tight ends Rob Gronkowski (ankle), Daniel Fells (leg) and Aaron Hernandez (unknown), linebacker Brandon Spikes (knee), wide receiver Matthew Slater (unknown), offensive lineman Markus Zusevics (pectoral), defensive linemen Myron Pryor (shoulder in 2011) and Brandon Deaderick (unknown), and linebacker Tracy White (abdomen). Monitoring any progress from this group will be one of the most important parts of the next three days.
Brian Waters' presence. The veteran guard has not been present for voluntary organized team activities, which has been the norm for him over his 13-year career as he stays home in Texas with his family. This camp is mandatory and players are subject to fines if they are not present.
Belichick's explanations. For the first time since the NFL draft, Belichick will hold a news conference with reporters and there is a lot of ground to cover.
Brady and the backup quarterbacks. These no-pads, non-contact practices have a heavy emphasis on the passing game, so naturally, the quarterbacks are the engine that make it all go. With Brady showing no signs of slowing down, attention can also be paid to his backups, Brian Hoyer (fourth year) and Ryan Mallett (second year).
How's it coming together in the secondary? Over the last three weeks, a variety of combinations have been comprised in the defensive backfield.
Rookies and their retention. At this point, rookies have been with the club for six weeks and have had a lot thrown at them. This is the culmination, all the individual parts coming together over the three-day camp. How will they respond?
Some players will remain around for the following week or two continuing off season conditioning but after that it's vacation for all including the coaches and FO and even some football mediots until TC opens the end of July. So after this week we will be entering the last remaining 4-6 week dead period in this new age year round NFL.
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Jeff Howe formerly of NESN and now the Herald beat reporter has his 5 things to watch up.
Quote:
1. Consistency Is Key:
The chance to watch three consecutive practices is valuable in understanding how the Patriots view certain players. While it stuck out that players such as running back Shane Vereen and cornerback Devin McCourty got a lot of reps at their positions during organized team activities, only three of the Patriots’ 10 OTAs were open to the media. Therefore, certain players could have been used in completely different roles during the private sessions. Minicamp will offer a glimpse at how the coaches believe the players have progressed during the nine weeks of offseason workouts.
2. Offensive Rhythm:
Tom Brady got into a nice groove Thursday with Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Julian Edelman, and Brady also has worked closely with Brandon Lloyd during OTAs. It’s obvious how much Brady trusts Welker and Branch, but the quarterback hasn’t been able to find that type of rhythm with a third wide receiver in years.
3. Intensity Level:
The atmosphere at minicamp is typically more intense than OTAs. And last week, Brady barked at his teammates when the energy fell below his standard...and the intensity at minicamp can offer a peek into the character of the team.
4. Special Teams Standouts:
The depth charts are crowded at wide receiver and cornerback. While the players are carving out a hierarchy at each position, the wild card comes on special teams.
5. Injury Updates:
It’s not that big of a deal for a player to miss time at this point in the offseason unless, of course, a player suffers a setback or a new injury. Therefore, any sign of progress is noteworthy.
Bill opens saying Waters has been excused for personal reasons. Curran tried to ask about fining being optional and Bill blew the question off. They won't fine players they excuse. Veteran courtesy in this case I'm sure. Bill wouldn't comment on Waters intentions.
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Tony Westover : "I can understand why LT thought it was disrespectful and unclassy that the Patriots started 'doing the dance Shawne Merriman is known for.' Imagine if the Chargers won and some of their players went and did the Tom Brady dance at the midfield? Oh wait ... Tom Brady doesn't have a dance because he's a class act and doesn't do steroids."
Todd Sullivan: "Marty's challenge of Brown's strip reminded me of Demi Moore's 'I strenuously object' scene in 'A Few Good Men.'"
Personally I have to laugh at the media types who try an make personnel and talent judgments from these short and T-shirt practices. BB himself has often said that these are not competitive or judgment affairs. They are strictly for teaching. Besides there is very little you can judge when players are not hitting or going full speed....and they AREN'T during this drills.
There certainly IS going to be a lot of competition for roster spots before the season starts, but NONE of it is going to happen until TC starts in late July. All we, the media, and the staff can get out of these 3 days is vague indications and speculation about how this team will turn out.
Reiss was the most persistent so he got the worst of it. AWKWARD... I get some of it but all of it really amounts to overkill.
He didn't seem to counter Mike's contention that Cunningham has had a good off season, just wouldn't discuss why last season might have unfolded as it did (lack of OTA's). Said with young players they are looking for physical improvement, mental development and on field performance. Tough to assess that in non contact environment. Wouldn't really comment on depth or roster makeup saying players performance dictates that. What happened last year is the past.
Rookies and their retention. At this point, rookies have been with the club for six weeks and have had a lot thrown at them. This is the culmination, all the individual parts coming together over the three-day camp. How will they respond?
Really shows how much the 2011 rookies missed.
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—President Barack Obama, April 18, 2013
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The last off season hurrah...3 day mini camp
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