Patriots Training Camp Open Thread: 8/6

The New England Patriots will kick off a three day joint practice run with the Philadelphia Eagles starting early this afternoon, leading up to the team’s preseason opener on Friday night. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will take the podium at noon, followed by a 12:30 practice session.

The practice sessions promise to be spirited, with the Patriots taking the last few days a bit lighter in the lead-up.

A few things we’ll be on the lookout for:

1. The Eagles have a revamped secondary which includes former Patriot Patrick Chung. The Patriots of course, have an unproven and young receiving corps that has shown some promise. Which unit rises to the occasion?

2. The Patriots had their fair share of injuries the last few days. Players such as Ras-I Dowling, Jermaine Cunningham, and Marcus Cannon have been held out. Today’s practice session, in which we will see which players made the trip to Philadelphia, could give some kind of an indication on how serious those injuries are.

3. In a joint practice atmosphere, each rep is of greater significance as the intensity will be a little bit closer to a game atmosphere. It will be interesting to see which players run with the starters as well as which “opportunity” unit players make the most of their chances.

Feel free to discuss the practice session here! And for Eagles coverage, be sure to check out Bleeding Green Nation.