Musket Fire
FanSided

6 reasons to be excited for Patriots training camp

By Connor Fulton

Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Ball boys prepare balls for New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7), quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Ball boys prepare balls for New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7), quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Julian Edelman Patriots
Jul 30, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) catches a pass during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Julian Edelman-Malcolm Butler one-on-one battles.

It’s always interesting when these two stars go head-to-head in training camp. They have fierce, chatty competition, dishing out taunts to each other but all in the name of getting better. Here’s what Butler had to say about jawing with Edelman during training camp last year:

"A little trash talk here and there won’t hurt It’ll bring the best out of both sides. It definitely makes it more fun — talk a little trash, play around. And it’s all about working at the same time. Most people talk and can’t back it up. That’s one of the guys who can back it up. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.”"

It’s good for the development of both players to be so competitive. Edelman’s quickness and maneuverability only improves Butler’s coverage ability; likewise, Butler’s blanketing coverage challenges Edelman to find innovative ways to free himself for a pass.

It also makes watching the practices a spectacle.

Next: 3. Twin tower tight ends

Home/Patriots News