Pats Day Two Training Camp Morning Observations

This morning, Steve and I made the trek out to Gillette Stadium to take in some training camp and check out the 2010 New England Patriots. One thing I want to say about going to camp if you’ve never been: It’s not a fan entertainment event. If you’re not interested in the inner workings of what prepares a football team for the season, then do not go. It is a practice session, meaning there is time for stretching and warming up, along with just some fundamentals drills. They are not there for your entertainment! I do not want to hear, “Is this all they do?” from one more person! However, I find training camp very entertaining because I love seeing the team come together, but I’m not saying it’s a snooze fest either. The 11-0n11 match-ups are very fun to watch, along with some other position vs. position drills. That being said, here’s some observations and notes that were jotted down during practice:

Sammy Morris, who was not in pads yesterday, joined the team for the full practice in pads today. However, there were some more missing players than there were yesterday: Darnell Jenkins, Matthew Slater who was hurt in yesterday’s afternoon session along with Bret Lockett, RB Thomas Clayton, Ron Brace, and of course Derrick Burgess and Logan Mankins.

Wes Welker jogged onto the field at the beginning of practice to a large ovation from the crowd and stretched with the team before working exclusively with the rehab staff. He was not in pads but only had a small brace on his knee.

Terrence Wheatley held onto the receiver he was facing quite a bit during 1-on-1 WR vs. DB drills. Not very good technique, especially with today’s offense-friendly rules.

Rookie QB Zac Robinson was not very accurate at all this morning, overthrowing and under-throwing receivers. He also fumbled a snap.

It was interesting to watch Bill Belichick work with the team. It’s easy to see why he’s the best in the business. He roamed around from showing techniques in the WR’s vs. DB’s drill to working with linebackers, special teams, and the offense.

Randy Moss makes playing receiver look like the easiest job in the world. Everything he does seems effortless and he looked great today. He could also be seen giving pointers to Julian Edelman in between reps.

Brandon Tate looks good at WR. At one point, Tom Brady under-threw a ball that Tate had to spin around and grab near the ground, which he did very impressively.

Zoltan Mesko had an inconsistent morning punting. He shanked quite a few while booming others. After his first shank that went about 20 yards, I overheard Belichick yelling, “Do you want me to punt? A 20-yard punt? Even I can handle that!”

Pierre Woods is getting opportunities at OLB with the starting unit. The spot opposite Tully Banta-Cain seems wide open.

The hit of the day was delivered by ILB Tyrone McKenzie on Laurence Maroney. During the 11-on-11 drill at the goal line, McKenzie shot the gap that Maroney hit and delivered a perfect tackle that made a sound loud enough to draw “Ooh’s” and “Aaahh’s” from the crowd.

One interesting note: during mini-camps, Linebackers Coach Matt Patricia called the defensive plays. Today, Bill Belichick was giving the plays to the defense during 11-on-11 drills.

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