Numbers ?

[scott99]

I find it kinda weird that during the usual rookie camps after the draft (didn't have one this year) and the May OTAs, the Pats seem to be the only team that doesn't play with numbers on their jerseys. Anyone ever hear an explanation for this ?

P.S.- Let's keep the, "it's because they are cheating" and "they will probably lose their 2017 First round pick for this" types of comments to a minimum, just want to have normal answers to this thread if at all possible.

 

[Ian]

I find it kinda weird that during the usual rookie camps after the draft (didn't have one this year) and the May OTAs, the Pats seem to be the only team that doesn't play with numbers on their jerseys. Anyone ever hear an explanation for this ?

P.S.- Let's keep the, "it's because they are cheating" and "they will probably lose their 2017 First round pick for this" types of comments to a minimum, just want to have normal answers to this thread if at all possible.

Been a common practice for a couple years now:

http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story...-bill-belichick-ultimate-master-team-building

 

[Ian]

I find it kinda weird that during the usual rookie camps after the draft (didn't have one this year) and the May OTAs, the Pats seem to be the only team that doesn't play with numbers on their jerseys. Anyone ever hear an explanation for this ?

P.S.- Let's keep the, "it's because they are cheating" and "they will probably lose their 2017 First round pick for this" types of comments to a minimum, just want to have normal answers to this thread if at all possible.

Also, it's a good way to create a team environment - I think reporters started highlighting the practice back in 2012 but I can't quite recall off the top of my head how far back it actually goes.

 

[Ian]

Another article from today on it oddly enough

http://www.csnne.com/new-england-patriots/brown-no-numbers-otas-helps-learning-process

 

[ErniesPinkStripes]

it's because they are cheating, they will probably lose their 2017 First round pick for this.

minimum: achieved

 

[Brewskies]

I am sure Brady probably knew about this, therefore he should sit out an additional 2 games. Now 6 games. Kraft say we won't do it again because of the 31.

 

[lurker1965]

I am sure Brady probably knew about this, therefore he should sit out an additional 2 games. Now 6 games. Kraft say we won't do it again because of the 31.

Maximum:achieved

Andy Hart of PFW asked Josh about that last year and got just a smile from McDaniels in reply.