New England Patriots: It's not a good idea to get overly excited during training camp
Just because we read headlines that this player or that player is performing well during training camp does not mean anything when it comes to the regular season. I am not saying this just to dog on the Patriots or any other team. What I am saying is that it's probably not the best idea in the world to put too much stock into training camp.
I think this is especially true for a team like New England, who came off a very shaky 2022 season on offense. There has been quite a bit of change on that side of the ball. Matt Patricia is out as the primary play-caller, and Bill O'Brien is in. Departed wide receiver Jakobi Meyers was replaced by JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency, and Jonnu Smith was replaced by Mike Gesicki.
There is likely a new face on the right side of the offensive line in Riley Reiff, and the hope obviously is that these have been enough changes to make a difference for the team in 2023. We can say with pretty strong certainty that the defense is going to be one of the better units in the NFL. Christian Gonzalez was drafted with the Patriots' first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he can potentially provide what the defense has needed for a couple of years: top-end play from the CB spot.
Matt Judon might have some help rushing the passer with a breakout Josh Uche and new addition Keion White. Overall, the defense doesn't appear to have many weaknesses, as all eyes have been fixed on the offense. Just because we see positive reports coming from training camp, does not mean that positivity will translate to the field in September.
People who report on these practices are just doing their jobs, so it's not their fault, but let's just say that Mac Jones has a stellar training camp... does that mean he'll light it up in the regular season? Of course not. There was a time during the 2019 NFL offseason where then-San Francisco 49ers' QB Jimmy Garoppolo threw five straight interceptions during the Niners' offseason programs. Well, in 2019, the Niners enjoyed a very good season, making it all the way to the Super Bowl.
Jimmy G also played very well and was able to run the offense efficiently. That, to me, is a great example of why we should not feel one way or another about these practices. Let's just wait until they step on the field for the real thing.