1. The Patriots will open training camp in a few days and there’s a lot to get excited about, unlike in most previous years. While there was somewhat of a quarterback competition last summer, it never really materialized and it wasn’t the same because of the uniqueness of training camp/preseason due to COVID. That is not the case this year, as it will be Cam Newton vs. Mac Jones when it comes to being the Patriots’ starting quarterback for the 2021 season. Each day should bring a new development and there’s nothing better than a good quarterback competition over the course of the summer. It’s not just that position that’s interesting, either. Wide receiver is wide open where anyone on the 90-man roster has a chance of making the initial 53-man roster. It will be fascinating to see which players embrace the competition and stand out the most. And then there’s the pure volume of new players and seeing how they look. Bill Belichick has never had an offseason like he just did with bringing in this number of talented players, so it will be worth watching each one of them on a daily basis to see how they are adjusting to life in New England and then just their pure talent. So, for the first time in quite some time there’s a lot to look forward to with the Patriots and training camp.
2. Stephon Gilmore being placed on the PUP list really didn’t come as much of a surprise, as this means he won’t be subject to being fined for not reporting to training camp. It essentially buys the two sides more time to figure out how to proceed with his contract. It feels like Gilmore will not step on the practice field without some tweak to his contract being made, but him reporting indicates there’s not a ton of animosity between the two sides. With that being said, at least as of now, it doesn’t feel like this will be something that lingers over several weeks and the two sides should eventually work something out.
3. Besides Gilmore, seven other Patriots were placed on PUP with the most notable one being quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stidham didn’t appear to be held back by anything in the spring and while he could be activated in a few short days, missing signifiant time would be a big blow for third-year QB. Technically, he’s still competing for the starting job, but the most likely scenario is him showing well in preseason games and the Patriots finding a team that would trade for him. Being on PUP to start the summer doesn’t help that cause.
4. On Friday, it was learned Cole Popovich is out with the Patriots due to COVID vaccine reasons. This means he did not get it, as this year coaches who are not vaccinated are not allowed to coach players on the field or in meeting rooms. He was masked up at times on the field this spring during OTAs and minicamp, which should have been a clue that this could have been coming.
5. Things are certainly getting interesting in Green Bay right now with not only Aaron Rodgers, but also Davante Adams. Obviously, things didn’t end great in New England with Tom Brady, but what’s happening with the Packers should make you appreciate even more how long Brady, Belichick and the Patriots were able to stick together and make things work.
6. Another interesting team right now is the Bills and players having different thoughts about the COVID vaccine. They have done a nice job with Sean McDermott leading the way of keeping things in house and not having any distractions, but it’s worth watching how things play out up there and if it could potentially become a distraction.
7. As of now, the Patriots have announced training camp sessions Wednesday-Saturday beginning at approximately 9:15 a.m. Usually, these are some of the most attended sessions of the summer, especially next Friday and Saturday when more people are off of work. It’s worth noting there’s a ramp up before players can wear pads, so if you have the itch to see real football (hitting, full speed drills, etc.) maybe wait another week or so.
