New England Patriots: Notes from the opening day of Training Camp
By Riley Hamel
Football is back. After an action packed off-season for the New England Patriots, the boys were finally back on the field.
The best part? Fans have once again entered the gates outside of Gillette Stadium to watch their favorite team get in early summer reps.
The weather was less than ideal; soft rain showers soiled the practice field, forcing spectators to break out the ponchos. I’m sure they didn’t mind.
Mac Jones was one of the first players on the field, a welcome sight to all in attendance. He received cheers and applause upon arrival, as did Cam Newton, who jogged onto the field dawning a mask.
As the team filed in, Trent Brown lumbered up the stairs helmet in hand. This came as a surprise, as Brown was just put on the PUP list. The injury must have been minor, as he was ready to go today. Kyle Van Noy, also on the PUP, was at practice today repping a red non-contact jersey.
Once practice began, videos surfaced on social media of Mac Jones getting his first training camp reps under way.
Mac Jones connecting with the WRs during his first day at training camp 🎯
— PFF (@PFF) July 28, 2021
(📹 @RochieWBZ)
pic.twitter.com/7pUxCmmO0b
First penalty lap of the day: Mac Jones. The rookie lost control of the football, and enjoyed a jog around the field. This won’t be the last time we see the first year player make a mistake in the coming weeks. Despite this being a punishment, the fans cheered as Mac passed by.
QB Notes
11 v 11s
Cam Newton: 5/10, 2 INT
Mac Jones: 8/15
Brian Hoyer: 8/17
7 v 7s
Cam Newton: 3/4
Mac Jones: 1/4
Michael Giardi on Cam’s day…
Cam’s final 4 reps were bad. Missed Henry in the back of the end zone by throwing ball behind him; wasn’t close on the next throw. Can’t tell you who it was for. Then he was way high on a toss to Bourne and threw behind Henry and got picked by Phillips at goal line. #Patriots
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) July 28, 2021
Mac seemed to struggle at points, but obviously made a good impression on the media members in attendance…
Five of Mac Jones’ completions were absolutely perfect throws. He made a few mistakes and fumbled a snap, but he might have had the five best throws of the day.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) July 28, 2021
Quick Notes from New England Patriots first day back
On the defensive side of the ball, safety Adrian Phillips had himself a day. Cam Newton seemed to be targeting him throughout team drills, but he was up for the challenge. On three throws to tight end Hunter Henry, Phillips had 2 pass break-ups and an interception.
Cam Newton was the first QB to take reps in almost every period. Read into that what you wish.
N’Keal Harry made multiple plays today. He caught two touchdowns on the day, one from Cam, one from Mac.
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Kristian Wilkerson also had multiple touchdown catches today.
Nelson Agholor stood out among the wide receiver core as the best separator.
Mac Jones and Cam Newton stayed after practice to get extra reps in with Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Nelson Agholor, and N’Keal Harry.