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Patriots Training Camp Day One Report

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Just got back from Gillette where the first day of Patriots training camp was PACKED. Yes, we all know how popular the Pats are and that they’re just coming off a Super Bowl win, but it’s still shocking to see just how many people pack the practice fields to catch a glimpse of the team as they open training camp.

At one point they opened up the ramps that run up the side of the stadium to give the excess number of fans another way to get a view of the field.

Today I was there with my two kiddos, their first experience getting to see the Patriots firsthand. So while I was able to watch some good chunks of practice, there was plenty of time spent away from the fields, doing all the great activities that the team has set up for families visiting — jumpers, football throws and kick stations, plenty of food and all kinds of great Patriots stuff on display. Stay tuned for a video coming later documenting it all.

In the meantime here are my limited observations from day one of camp.

— Rob Ninkovich was a notable absence and this is something to keep an eye on. I suspect we’ll get some clarity shortly. Kony Ealy was also out.

— Brandin Cooks is fast and had a nice connection with Brady in the back of the end zone. It looked like the Cooks–Hogan–Edelman–Gronk–White grouping could be a favorite. What a multitude of problems that personnel will present for a defense.

— Three players who, whether due to the absences of Hightower and Ninkovich or just getting a random camp look, that were getting notable playing time were:

  • Jonathan Jones — appears that he is very much atop the current depth chart in the slot, a carryover from what we heard at OTAs.
  • Jonathan Freeny — stepped right into the first “sub” defense alongside Kyle Van Noy. It would appear he’s ahead on the depth chart over Elandon Roberts.
  • Geneo Grissom — without Ealy and Ninkovich, Grissom saw time at defensive end with the top unit.

— As expected Lawrence Guy stepped in for Alan Branch with the top unit next to Malcom Brown.

— Gronk looked pretty much 100 percent as far as one could tell from a no-pads practice. He caught a nice touchdown pass and finished it off with a little shimmy. So good to see him back out there after the unceremonious end to his 2016.

— Harvey Langi saw some time at outside linebacker and appeared to get thrown right into the mix.

— Jimmy Garoppolo threw two-straight interceptions, one to Jordan Richards, another to Eric Rowe.

— Dion Lewis, he of silly bubble talk, appears to be the top kickoff return option at this point.

— Brady looked like Brady and the crowd erupted as he took the field, along with Belichick, who got the second biggest ovation.

It will be nice to enjoy a practice without having to wrangle two kids in the coming days but overall the team got work in a variety areas with plenty of special teams sessions and just a taste of 7-on-7 work. We’re officially on to 2017!