Musket Fire
FanSided

Patriots training camp: Remember, they’re just practices

By Lou Scataglia

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28, 2021: Jonnu Smith #81 of the New England Patriots gives a post practice interview following training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28, 2021: Jonnu Smith #81 of the New England Patriots gives a post practice interview following training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Patriots have had four solid days of training camp practices, but remember, at the end of the day, they are just that–practices.

Of course, whenever the training camp season starts for NFL teams, each practices will seemingly be placed under a microscope, as analysts call balls and strikes, and debate the winners and losers of the camp.  This is fine and all, but at the end of the day, they’re just practices.  For the Patriots, this idea doesn’t change.

I’m not trying to sound like Allen Iverson, but let’s be real for a second.  Sure, it’s nice to hear that a developing player is enjoying a solid week of practice, and perhaps not so great to hear that a savvy, maybe older veteran isn’t doing so well, but these practices don’t necessarily impact the wins and losses columns.

I do think it’s useful information for the most part, though.  Practices are still important, but at the same time, they aren’t.

I’m reminded of this time about three years ago, when the San Francisco 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo were still happily married.

Garoppolo threw five straight interceptions in a 49ers practices.  Five.  Straight.

Obviously, alarm bells might sound, as five interceptions in a row is just about unspeakable.

But, you know what ended up happening that season for the 49ers?  They were the best team in the NFC by a mile and made the Super Bowl.

Sure, this may only be one example, but I think it’s worth mentioning.  I do think the Patriots will end up being a solid team this year, and I do not think a practice at the end of July is going to drastically change the trajectory of their season.

I’m not trying to look at this entire situation in a vacuum, but I do think there may be some people out there who overreact to practices.  I’m sure there’s a young quarterback in the NFL who just came off of three or four great days of practice, who will end up playing poorly when it really counts.

The New England Patriots are a good football team, and I don’t think we need to watch four days of training camp practices to know this.

Home/Patriots News