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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.
New England Patriots should get feel for team at minicamp - ESPN Boston
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.
Reiss has his primer on what to watch for up.
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?
New England Patriots should get feel for team at minicamp - ESPN Boston
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.