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New England Patriots links 6/15/21 - Minicamp updates & breakdowns: QB competition; Which CBs step up? More!

Daily news and links for 6/15/21

By Marima

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NFL: New England Patriots OTA
QB drills: Brian Hoyer (5), Mac Jones (50), Jarrett Stidham (4)
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

TEAM TALK

  • Paul Perillo’s Day 1 minicamp blogservations: The Patriots had a pair of players in for tryouts on offense; The secondary spent some time early in practice working on defending bunch sets under the watchful eyes of Belichick. Communication is stressed in those situations and the DBs seemed to do a nice job working through the crowded areas and making sure no receivers slipped free; Mac Jones appeared to spend a lot of time adjusting plays at the line and checking in and out of certain formations - all part of the growth process for a young QB.
  • Mike Dussault notes Adrian Phillips sees potential for the Pats defense. “The pieces help us out a lot,” said Phillps after Monday’s minicamp practice. “You add [the vets], along with the guys that have a second year in the program, have some games underneath their belt, have a better understanding of the defense. When you put those pieces together there ain’t no telling what we can do.”
  • Press Conference transcript: Bill Belichick.
  • Minicamp Day 1 breakdown. (4.25 min. video)
  • Press Conferences: Bill Belichick (15.50 min. video) - Jarrett Stidham (7.44 min. video) - Matthew Slater (17 min. video) - Brian Hoyer (7 min. video)
  • Photos: Patriots Minicamp Day 1.

LOCAL LINKS

  • Evan Lazar’s Minicamp Observations: Mac Jones has best day of open practices; More.
  • Andrew Callahan Patriots minicamp: How Mac Jones improved, Cam Newton returned and the defense adjusted without Stephon Gilmore.
  • Doug Kyed’s Patriots Minicamp notes: How Cam Newton’s return shook up QB reps; More.
  • Mike D’Abate (PatriotMaven) Patriots Notebook: Gilmore’s contract, Newton, Minicamp highlights and an update on a former starting Patriots offensive lineman.
  • Zack Cox Patriots Notes: What New England must do to replace Julian Edelman; High praise for Jonnu Smith and Kyle Dugger; More.
  • Michael Hurley calls foul on Bill Belichick listing ‘weather, travel arrangements’ as potential excuses for minicamp absences. What’s up with that?
  • Phil Perry breaks down how Cam Newton’s performance stacked up with the other Patriots QBs.
  • Phil Perry observes Mac Jones’ improvement is evident, lets it rip on Day 1.
  • Phil Perry keeps his eyes on the cornerbacks to see which ones will step up in Gilmore’s absence.
  • Nick O’Malley notes Bill Belichick said it’s ‘good to see’ Dont’a Hightower back on the field after his 2020 opt-out.
  • Karen Guregian finds Jarrett Stidham saying he’s ‘fired up’ to compete with Mac Jones.
  • Doug Kyed points out Jarrett Stidham still has starting aspirations, and leads the Pats QBs in completion percentage through four open practices.
  • Tom E. Curran takes a look at who has the leverage between the Patriots and Stephon Gilmore.
  • Mark Daniels argues that the Patriots need to pay up for star cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
  • Doug Kyed believes the Patriots must pay Stephon Gilmore or figure out their next step at cornerback. “Two starting-caliber cornerbacks remain available in free agency.”
  • Matt Dolloff talks about Stephon Gilmore among the absences at Monday’s mandatory minicamp.
  • Andrew Callahan reports Stephon Gilmore will skip the rest of minicamp after missing Day 1.
  • Karen Guregian thinks that if the Patriots truly want to chase another Super Bowl, Stephon Gilmore needs to be part of the mix.
  • Mike D’Abate (PatriotMaven) Patriots changing of the guard looks promising: Michael Onwenu looks ready to handle moving to guard after his impressive rookie season..
  • Mike D’Abate (PatriotMaven) Who can step up as a true No. 1 receiver?
  • Zack Cox relays Brian Hoyer on how he is approaching the QB battle and helping Mac Jones: ‘I’m not the quarterback coach’
  • Sean T. McGuire hears from Jarrett Stidham on his initial impressions of the Pats’ new offensive weapons.
  • Doug Kyed mentions Hunter Henry lived with Jarrett Stidham for a month during the start of the offseason workout program and the two had plenty of time to bond.
  • Bob Socci’s Notebook: Patriots kicker Quinn Nordin is more than just a specialist.
  • Sean T. McGuire highlights Matthew Slater on the Pats’ offseason spending: ‘At some point you have to go out there and work and earn it and prove it’
  • Andrew Callahan highlights Matthew Slater on why he stepped down from his NFLPA role. “I think it’s important that young guys take ownership and understand the way that this league operates, the business side of this league, the player safety side of this league. We want our young men to be educated and to be involved and to really take ownership in what they’re doing.”
  • Mike Kadlick (GuyBostonSports) Patriots Mailbag: Does this team have enough to compete?
  • Jerry Trotta (MusketFire) 3 players who aren’t getting enough respect entering 2021: Lawrence Guy, Jonathan Jones, David Andrews.
  • Jerry Trotta (MusketFire) One surprising player who could make roster in 2021. Could LB Terez Hall make the Pats roster?
  • Mike Luciano (MusketFire) What Patriots can gain from annual practices with Joe Judge’s Giants.
  • Locked On Patriots podcast: Mike and Murph discuss Gilmore’s contract, the return of Cam Newton and favorite minicamp storylines. (45 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

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