Yup, that’s why it annoys me when a media report about who’s playing where or what kind of defense they’re in sparks a bunch of articles about them being significant. Can’t stress it enough about the defense, the 3-4 is what Belichick will always teach out of. 2011 was the one exception because of the lockout, so instead they started with their nickel front (which some would assume is the 4-3).
Players have to learn the checks and techniques first, that’s what is most important. Obviously the rookies and new guys are the ones that most need this time, but everyone will go through the process whether you’re Malcom Brown or Tom Brady.
Communication is such a vital part for the Patriots. That’s why things like removing numbers from jerseys helps the players get to know each other a little quicker.
Once the checks are down the Patriots are able to install their real gameplans and as you can imagine, those are complex with a lot of moving parts. So this time is vital.
As for absences I was a little bummed about Butler not being there, but otherwise it’s still early and a lot of guys are still in recovery mode. Let’s see where we’re at when camp opens and we get a handful of surprise PUPs. Those are the real buzz kills.