Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe does a great job covering and reporting from the New England Patriots Training Camps. Here are some of his reported highlights from August 4 - 6:
August 4:
The Patriots announced the signing of veteran offensive lineman John Welbourn. To make room on the roster, the team released rookie defensive lineman Chris Norwell. The Patriots' signing might be an indication that the team's decision-makers have concerns with the depth along the line.
Tuesday's Practice was geared specifically toward preparations for Thursday’s pre-season opener
In what has become an annual part of camp, rookies once again “worked” on a fumble drill in which a hose was turned on and the ball was thrown in a wet area, and the rooks were doused as they pounced on the ball.
When the Patriots signed receiver Sam Aiken as a free agent this off-season, it was primarily due to his special teams prowess. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if he challenges for playing time in the No. 4 or 5 roles.
As training camp has progressed, the level of contact has gradually increased. Along those lines, the coaching staff called for a tackling drills.
The session ended with a pad-crunching goal-line session.
One of the first aspects that stood out from Night workout was the high tempo; the idea of playing fast as close to a game-like speed as possible.
Stephen Gostkowski was really whipping his leg through the ball during practice. He did not miss a field goal in the session, hitting from a long of 44.
As the Patriots practiced for Thursday Night's game, seemingly ever special teams unit was called upon -- kickoff return, punt return, punt coverage (in addition to punting out of the end zone), field goal, and field goal block -- at various points throughout the session.
August 5:
Bill Belichick described today as a period of transition for the team. "We go from true training camp days -- one practice, followed by a meeting, followed by another practice, grinding through -- to now really having a focus, our sights are set on Thursday night against the Ravens. Everything we do builds up to that point. We're in a little bit of a different mode than we've been in."
Outside linebacker Mike Vrabel has been activated off the physically unable to perform list
Tom Brady wasn’t on the field today. That left all the repetitions to Matt Cassel, followed by Matt Gutierrez, then rookie Kevin O’Connell. Based on this, it wouldn’t be surprising if Brady does not play Thursday night.
The focus of the session seemed to be on running the plays that will be called in Thursday night’s pre-season opener.
The team’s defensive backs have consistently been around the ball in camp as they continue to get deflections during practice.
Rookie cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, who appeared to pull up in Monday night’s practice, was not present for today’s session.
August 6:
No open practice, team walk through as the Patriots prepare for the Baltimore Ravens!
August 7:
Patriots vs Ravens, 7:30 pm (are you ready for some Patriot football?)
NFL News: FARVE TO THE JETS!
It looks like the Brett Favre saga might finally have closure! ESPN reported that the Packers have traded Favre to the New York Jets. Compensation wasn't immediately known but it is reported to be a draft pick that will increase in value based upon Favre obtaining certain performance levels.
The Patriots vs Jets game for September 14th just got very interesting!
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