Bill Belichick speaks with the media following the end of mini-camp.
Well we are wrapping up today. I thought the players worked hard and had a good number of practice sessions that have been competitive, but it's still a good teaching progression and we got a lot of people a lot of reps and I think that will do us good in the long run; working guys at different positions and all of those kinds of things. It's a good evaluation of where we're at and I think everybody has got a lot to work on. Coaches, players, individually, collectively, but we are off to a decent start here and I think we have a good foundation heading into training camp. That's what we were hoping for and we'll be ready for camp in five weeks.
Erik Scalavino reports QB coach Bill O'Brien is pleased with the results of the OTAs and mini-camp; News and notes from the last day of practice.
In full-squad scrimmage simulation, the play of the day was made by rookie TE Rob Gronkowski. In a red-zone situation, Gronkowski ran what looked like a skinny-post pattern, but was surrounded by about four blue-shirted defenders. Nevertheless, quarterback Tom Brady fired a pass in Gronkowski’s direction, albeit a bit high and slightly behind him. The 6-6 Gronkowski made a great adjustment, twisting his body 180-degrees counterclockwise while leaping and extending for the ball in between the converging defense. Gronkowski came down with the ball and crossed the goal line without breaking stride.
Andy Hart offers his observations from Thursday's third and final mini-camp.
Gerard Warren got plenty of reps on the D-line that we’re now referring to as the WWW group, working with Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork. Can you say www.defensivelinedominance.com? We’ll see.
Feels like time for another Moss update. He’s simply the best. Smooth as ever. Made a nice, one-handed catch look easier than most players can with two hands. Caught a touchdown in a red zone drill and subsequently punted the ball farther than the Aussie David King ever did on the same practice field. And had a nice, hands-only reception beating Jonathan Wilhite on an out. Mid-season form physically. Getting his teammates excited and competing as a vocal leader. I see a big year from No. 81. I don’t care what his motivation is, it should be fun to watch.
TEAM TALK
- Patriots Today - Wrapping up mini-camp. (1 min. video)
- Patriots Today - Belichick speaks with the media. (4.09 min. video) Plus transcript.
LOCAL LINKS
- Karen Guregian notes the Brady Knee Watch has turned into the Brady Contract-Disconnect Watch. He "looked sharp, comfortable and totally in command."
- Mike Reiss notices Tom Brady has not been speaking with the media as much, and when he does he chooses his words very carefully.
- Shalise Manza Young offers a few of the sights and sounds from Thursday's practice.
- Mike Reiss shares his observations from Thursday's practice.
- Christopher Price offers his thoughts on a productive Patriots spring.
- Mike Reiss writes the success of the 2010 season is going to be defined, in part, by how well some of the younger players develop.
- Albert Breer thinks backup QB Brian Hoyer has been impressive and making progress.
- Shalise Manza Young sees QB coach Bill O'Brien is clearly in charge of the entire offense, even if he won't admit that's the case.
- Tom E. Curran says blame for the inconsistency of the Patriots offense last season has to start with the players, but some of it lands with the offensive coaching staff and - specifically - Bill O'Brien.
- Ian Rapoport notes Bill O'Brien has the deep, booming voice the whole offense is listening to, not just the quarterbacks.
- Karen Guregian catches up with second-year wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea.
- Danny Picard notes Patriots receivers coach Chad O'Shea enjoys having a mix of veterans and youngsters in his receiving corp.
- Mike Reiss talks about what's next for the Patriots after mini-camp.
- Mike Reiss has a terrific piece on Bill Belichick's involvement with the "Friends of Jaclyn" team, a "brilliant concept" pairing college athletic teams with children battling pediatric brain tumors.
- Albert Breer checks in with Patriots' personnel chief Nick Caserio. He's playing a slightly more hands-off role so far, evaluating how well the coaching is implemented on the field.
- Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: Belichick and crew all plan to enjoy the break until Training Camp; Nick Caserio evaluates whether players actually apply what's being coached in meetings to the field; Matthew Slater stood out over the past three days with his acrobatic catches.
- Mike Reiss offers the transcript of his weekly on-line chat. Valuable insight here as usual.
- Shalise Manza Young Patriots Notebook: Both sides quiet on Mankins issue; Matt Light missed practice yesterday causing a bit of shuffling on the OL; Belichick was pleased with what was accomplished and with the foundation laid down for Training Camp.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Tim Graham (ESPN) On the radar: Taylor Price.
- David Amber (ESPN) Mankins' words sting organization. He calls that relationship irreparable and Welker's recovery phenomenal. (1.33 min. video)
- Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Has the OTA practice gone too far in the NFL? Jags, Lions are the latest teams hit by the league for rule violations.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) The day O.J. took America on a surreal ride.
- Jason Whitlock (Fox Sports) A solution to NFL's strip-club problem.
- Jack Bechta (Nat'l Football Post) The dark side of football. How the penalties imposed on USC shed light on other major issues in the business.
- Fox Sports 20 NFL jersey numbers that should be retired.
- AP (Sporting News) Roger Goodell: NFL no longer needs four preseason games.
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