Sometimes it takes awhile for NFL teams to establish a personality.
Are they a laid-back group that likes to joke around a lot? Are they a more serious bunch and inside the building everything is strictly business?
It isn’t always apparent right away, but even after just five days of Patriots training camp it’s pretty clear what kind of group the 2021 Patriots will be.
Energetic and fun.
“High energy,” running back Brandon Bolden said Monday when asked if he has a sense of the personality for the team yet. “These guys just want to have fun. And that’s me. 24/7. We click. Since I got here for minicamp. Even with the new guys, they’ve bought right into the program. So we’re just trying to get back to having fun. We want to win and everything else. But the main thing is make sure we do this and have fun while we’re doing it.”
Cam Newton is the epitome of energy, which was on full display last year and likely will be apparent even more with fans now being back in the mix this year. But, there’s more to having an energetic team than just having a player like Newton.
A perfect example of this came Monday at the end of practice.
Bill Belichick declared a play from the 4-yard line as a “gotta have it” play, so basically fourth-and-goal with the game on the line. But in this case it was a full lap around both practice fields at stake.
Newton’s pass to Nelson Agholor on a slant route with Jalen Mills in coverage fell incomplete, meaning the entire offense (and coaches) needed to run. Both sides of the ball reacted with the defensive players fired up for the incomplete pass, while some of the offensive players, including backup lineman Justin Herron, motioned for a pass interference penalty 50 yards away.
While competing and getting better, the team was able to have a little bit of fun and showcase their energy while doing so.
There have also been smaller instances, as well.
Last week when rookie Mac Jones met with the media for the first time, new outside linebacker Matthew Judon yelled from the other side of the field, “We love you Mac!”
And then it seems the rookie skits were a huge hit, especially Jones’ impersonation of Newton.
“This is my fifth year in the league. That’s probably the best rookie impersonation I’ve ever seen. That’s probably the best one,” linebacker Raekwon McMillan said. “I give him kudos for that. It was spot-on about everything that Cam does, how he dresses. He came in with a suitcase. You know Cam’s swagged up to the floor, man, so (Jones) came in and he kind of jumped out of his comfort zone, too. … Mac’s kind of a chill guy, relax, kicked back, and he came in acting like Cam. It was dope.”
While this is a common thing around the league, it truly seems like a night the team enjoyed and will bring up the entire year.
Yes, it is very early and the preseason games have not even started, but the signs are there for the 2021 Patriots to be a fun and energetic bunch.