Stories From Training Camp - Part 1

Yesterday, I attended the 3:45 pm practice. There is so much to observe and things going on. It was a hot day with over 4,000 fans in attendance. The Patriots provide food and drink concessions at game day prices. I bought a water for $3.75 and a small grilled chicken sandwich for $7.50.

Tom Brady was the last player to walk on the field. He got a huge ovation. He was carrying his shoulder pads with his red practice jersey draped over them. In one quick motion, he pulled everything over his head and was now ready to practice. He got another ovation

It was quite interesting watching the return game. Although it was 11 on 11, the kicker pulled away at the last minute. Instead, Special Teams coach Scott O'Brien used the "Juggs" machine which sends the ball down the field like a rocket. It allows the return team time to set themselves up.

Many of the "experts" seem to think WR Matthew Slater and DB Ray Ventrone are fighting for their roster spot. Coach Belichick played Slater with the defense and Ventrone with the offense. In the past, he has spoken of their versatility, especially Ventrone.

OL Sebastian Vollmer ( 2nd round pick ) is listed at 6'8" 315 lbs. and looks every part of it. He actually appears rather lean. He will have a roster spot.

The offense of this team is centered around Tom Brady and Randy Moss. Everything is built around them. There are a lot of weapons for Brady to use this year, but it's all about getting the ball to Moss in key situations.

To see Randy Moss up close was really impressive. He is listed at 6'4" and 210. He is so lean! He has a gigantic stride and can turn it on in varying speeds. In the past, he has been accused of "taking plays off". When you watch him run, you realize that he is a very special athlete and one of the best to ever play that position. Watching Brady, Moss and Belichick is like watching another Big 3 for the Hall of Fame.

The offense practiced on the field closest to the fans. It's harder to watch the defense. Tedy Bruschi was not in uniform. Coach Belichick spend the first hour with them.

He came over to the offensive field, along with the defense. As he walked to
mid-field, Special Teams was still doing its "Juggs" practice. Julien Edelam, a 7th round pick from Kansas State was one of the players fielding the balls. He had caught a bunch of them during the drill. This time the ball fired off the front of his helmet. I wonder what Belichick was thinking.

I expect Edeleman to make the team as either a roster spot, practice squad, or stashed away on injured reserve. He put up some huge numbers playing QB at Kent State in both passing and running the ball. The Pats drafted him with the idea of converting him to WR or a kick returner.

You could hear Brady calling the signals and Belichick's comments. At one point he said to the players: "If you aren't in this play, go over to the sideline".

Belichick was in game shorts and pull-over windbreaker. He was very tanned. Sometimes he has looked very tired during the season. He looked like he enjoyed his off-season.