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Finally home! Here's the first report. Not sure if I should post the blog link each session or post the body here but for the first one here goes.
http://patriotscampreports.com
TC Opening Session 8:45-10:45 July 27, 2007
Just got home from the first training camp session of the 2007 season. I’m starting off with my usual disclaimers just so that we’re all on the same page. First off, I’m just a fan who is passionate about her team and attends camp each day. I’m not a member of the “media” and don’t have a press credential nor access to the any of their team generated paperwork. I sit on the hill and write what I observe and what I feel; I may not always get it right and never claim to be a football guru as I am still learning something every day.
Admittedly, I considered forgoing posting reports this year because there are so many other sources reporting (and posting) directly from camp that by the time I get home, most has already been said, but due to the overwhelming response from fellow fans to continue I decided to do so. Of course, I may not have anything new to add except my perspective but that’s the best I can.
I haven’t read anybody else’s stuff at this point yet so I don’t know what’s already been covered but decided to instead to take this time to make my post so here we go… Let Mrs. B’s Training Camp Reports begin!
* I attended the session with Big Al and my son Jake and headed out early to have plenty of time to settle in to my usual spot on the hill. The south entrance at P8 was not clearly marked as being the Training Camp entrance so we missed it and needed to go around to P1 and enter from the north. We parked in front of the West Suites where the Patriots Experience is usually set up. I didn’t see it anywhere so perhaps it hasn’t started yet.
* The place was completely MOBBED, with the stands, lower hill and upper hill completely full. Naturally, I sat by the media tent on the grass at the top of the hill while Al made his way down to the ropes to take pictures.
* Guys were in full pads with Maroney and Seau wearing red no contact jerseys. (Naturally, the QBs were in red as well which is the norm.)
* Everyone was sporting a #91 decal on their helmets in memory of Marquise Hill. (Big Al’s tip.)
* Tedy got the first noticeable entrance ovation followed by the biggest one of the day which was for Randy Moss.
* There was no sign of Dante Stallworth, Kareem Brown, nor any of the Puppies.
* Josh Miller was fully suited up but didn’t make a single punt. Tom Malone(#1) was horrible so Danny Baugher (#5) was the best out there today.
* Health Evans got the first “Belichick Tutorial” for his blocking techniques.
* I saw a new drill today in which there was a large ring (like a 10ft hoola-hoop) placed on the ground and a towel was dropped just inside the rim. The DBs ran around the curve and had to drop their hand to scoop it up on the way by.
* Moss makes everything look soooo easy! I was impressed with his attitude out there as well. He dropped a pass from Brady during drills and was clearly pissed at himself. Throughout the day, he would follow through after catching his passes and didn’t dog it. He made some great catches over the middle from Brady, and blew by Willie Andrews for an impressive sure TD at one point. Then, after practice he went over and signed although it wasn’t his units turn. Good start
* Brady’s went to Welker quite a bit today and it’s nice to see jersey #83 represented so well.
* Cassell was WAY off today, overthrowing his intended targets more often than not.
* Tedy broke up a couple of passes but I couldn’t see the intended TE down the other end of the field, on one and the other was intended for Garrett Mills (#45)
* Ellis Hobbs left the field at one point but did return before the end of practice.
* Kyle Brady took down Justin Rogers on a drill but I’m still awaiting the “Opening Pop” of camp. (C’mon Tedy and/or Rodney!)
* Gostkowski was kicking field goals in the opposite endzone at the end of practice.
* Running Backs signed today and Vrabel, Moss, and Brady were the extras that I could see.
* Overall it was a pretty low-key camp session, mobbed with fans and media. I’m learning the roster and hope to have it down pat early this year.
I’ll be heading back to the evening session, but for now I have a puppy that needs attention. Also, from what I got for info, the question of camp being “closed” in the rain is the same policy as in the past. While there is no public access to view camp in person, they won’t turn you away if you show up and will allow you to still watch inside of Gillette Stadium. Not sure if it’s completely official but I did get that from someone who works there.
Pictures uploaded to Flickr and Podcast to follow.
http://patriotscampreports.com
TC Opening Session 8:45-10:45 July 27, 2007
Just got home from the first training camp session of the 2007 season. I’m starting off with my usual disclaimers just so that we’re all on the same page. First off, I’m just a fan who is passionate about her team and attends camp each day. I’m not a member of the “media” and don’t have a press credential nor access to the any of their team generated paperwork. I sit on the hill and write what I observe and what I feel; I may not always get it right and never claim to be a football guru as I am still learning something every day.
Admittedly, I considered forgoing posting reports this year because there are so many other sources reporting (and posting) directly from camp that by the time I get home, most has already been said, but due to the overwhelming response from fellow fans to continue I decided to do so. Of course, I may not have anything new to add except my perspective but that’s the best I can.
I haven’t read anybody else’s stuff at this point yet so I don’t know what’s already been covered but decided to instead to take this time to make my post so here we go… Let Mrs. B’s Training Camp Reports begin!
* I attended the session with Big Al and my son Jake and headed out early to have plenty of time to settle in to my usual spot on the hill. The south entrance at P8 was not clearly marked as being the Training Camp entrance so we missed it and needed to go around to P1 and enter from the north. We parked in front of the West Suites where the Patriots Experience is usually set up. I didn’t see it anywhere so perhaps it hasn’t started yet.
* The place was completely MOBBED, with the stands, lower hill and upper hill completely full. Naturally, I sat by the media tent on the grass at the top of the hill while Al made his way down to the ropes to take pictures.
* Guys were in full pads with Maroney and Seau wearing red no contact jerseys. (Naturally, the QBs were in red as well which is the norm.)
* Everyone was sporting a #91 decal on their helmets in memory of Marquise Hill. (Big Al’s tip.)
* Tedy got the first noticeable entrance ovation followed by the biggest one of the day which was for Randy Moss.
* There was no sign of Dante Stallworth, Kareem Brown, nor any of the Puppies.
* Josh Miller was fully suited up but didn’t make a single punt. Tom Malone(#1) was horrible so Danny Baugher (#5) was the best out there today.
* Health Evans got the first “Belichick Tutorial” for his blocking techniques.
* I saw a new drill today in which there was a large ring (like a 10ft hoola-hoop) placed on the ground and a towel was dropped just inside the rim. The DBs ran around the curve and had to drop their hand to scoop it up on the way by.
* Moss makes everything look soooo easy! I was impressed with his attitude out there as well. He dropped a pass from Brady during drills and was clearly pissed at himself. Throughout the day, he would follow through after catching his passes and didn’t dog it. He made some great catches over the middle from Brady, and blew by Willie Andrews for an impressive sure TD at one point. Then, after practice he went over and signed although it wasn’t his units turn. Good start
* Brady’s went to Welker quite a bit today and it’s nice to see jersey #83 represented so well.
* Cassell was WAY off today, overthrowing his intended targets more often than not.
* Tedy broke up a couple of passes but I couldn’t see the intended TE down the other end of the field, on one and the other was intended for Garrett Mills (#45)
* Ellis Hobbs left the field at one point but did return before the end of practice.
* Kyle Brady took down Justin Rogers on a drill but I’m still awaiting the “Opening Pop” of camp. (C’mon Tedy and/or Rodney!)
* Gostkowski was kicking field goals in the opposite endzone at the end of practice.
* Running Backs signed today and Vrabel, Moss, and Brady were the extras that I could see.
* Overall it was a pretty low-key camp session, mobbed with fans and media. I’m learning the roster and hope to have it down pat early this year.
I’ll be heading back to the evening session, but for now I have a puppy that needs attention. Also, from what I got for info, the question of camp being “closed” in the rain is the same policy as in the past. While there is no public access to view camp in person, they won’t turn you away if you show up and will allow you to still watch inside of Gillette Stadium. Not sure if it’s completely official but I did get that from someone who works there.
Pictures uploaded to Flickr and Podcast to follow.
