The Patriots, like all NFL teams, are now in the midst of the third phase of organized team activities (OTAs).
That means New England has been on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium this week, players and coaches working in a non-padded, full-squad practice environment.
Thursday morning, the media – still in a limited capacity due to COVID restrictions/precautions – will get its first look at the work going on for Bill Belichick’s team that will eventually build toward the 2021 season.
With that in mind, here are a few things to keep an eye on regarding the reports coming out of Foxborough (no fans are allowed) and in the OTAs that the media has access to in the coming weeks.
Belichick speaks! – Belichick will hold a Zoom call with the local media at 9:30 Thursday morning, shortly before the OTA workout begins. It will be the coach’s first media session since draft weekend. He’ll have the chance to answer (avoid?) questions on what’s transpired in the offseason workouts to date, Julio Jones trade rumors, his team’s COVID vaccination progress/philosophy, Mac Jones’ progress since arriving and other offseason issues. Stay tuned!
Attendance – New England has reportedly had strong participation numbers throughout the completely voluntary OTAs this spring, despite NFLPA efforts to push players to consider skipping the workouts. It will be interesting to see just how close to a full roster Belichick and his coaches have to work with and who if anyone is a notable absence. And even if a guy isn’t seen on the field, is he absent or simply working in another capacity such as rehabbing from injury/surgery?
Debut of Mac Jones – Though the rookie has been in the building working for a while and we’ve already seen photos of his OTA work sporting his red No. 50 practice jersey, all eyes will still be on No. 15 overall pick Mac Jones. Cam Newton may be a former MVP and superstar, but it’s Jones that is the future star and franchise leader at quarterback. Every rep that Jones takes, every interaction he has with another player or coach will be potentially noteworthy.
First impressions – Jones is far from the only new face to keep an eye on. Given the aggressive, historic free agent spending spree there are plenty of notable newcomers in New England. Tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry and edge defender Matt Judon top the list of standout additions to the roster. Seeing those guys and others for the first time in person, even in just shorts and helmets, can be more interesting than one might think. It’s not padded practice or really all that competitive, but you can still get a vibe for a guy’s quickness, size, hands, etc. on the practice field.
Cam’s mechanics – Much has been made this offseason of how hard the returning veteran QB Newton has worked to prepare for his latest (last?) shot. Newton has worked with throwing coaches on his mechanics, which anyone with eyes could see were horrific a year ago. Many, including former Patriots QB coach Jedd Fisch, are often dubious of making significant alterations with a throwing motion on a guy in the NFL in his 30s. But maybe Newton can do it. Thursday will get the first chance to see just how the former MVP is throwing the football.
Numbers game – Jersey numbers aren’t usually much of a story. But this season is a little bit different. First, you have Belichick’s ongoing insistence that rookie players are issued numbers in the 50s and upwards for these offseason workouts. It’s a curious tactic, but who are we to question the value of such a small detail that’s apparently important to the future Hall of Fame coach. Another number change this spring is the new NFL rules allowing more players at various positions to wear single-digits. That means Judon is No. 9 as a DE/OLB. Returning middle linebacker Ja’Whuan Bentley is No. 8. So for media in attendance today and fans watching the video footage or down the road in person themselves, it might take a bit and a few extra glances at the roster to figure out some of the jersey numbers.
Coaching ‘em up – We know of a few guys who’ll be missing from the coaching staff on the practice field, as Nick Caserio (Texans GM), Ernie Adams (retired). Bret Bielema (University of Illinois head coach) and Fisch (University of Arizona head coach) have moved on this offseason. It’s early, but it’s always interesting to see which coaches are filling which roles and how they are interacting with players in a slightly more relaxed practiced setting. What’s Matt Patricia doing, if the returning former defensive coordinator and Lions boss is even on the field at all? Who’s working most closely with Jones? Where is Belichick’s attention most frequently directed? Sometimes you can learn as much watching the coaches work as you can following the activities of the players.
Player interviews – The Patriots media relations department has done a good job of setting the media up with various interviews with new and returning players this spring. But Thursday New England will have a half-dozen or more players available via Zoom interviews around 1 p.m. It will be worthwhile to hear what verbal messages and themes the players dispense at this late-May point in the team-building process.
