FOXBOROUGH, Mass — Training camp is officially underway.
The stands were packed as the New England Patriots
took the field for the start of training camp, and the excitement in the air was clear. Coming off an incredible season where they fell just short in the Super Bowl, confidence was high as each returning player was ready to turn the page and start fresh, while new players were ready to get going.However, considering it was only the first day back, the team wasn't in pads yet and took things fairly slow as they were just getting started.
Here are the top takeaways from Day 1 of training camp:
1. No hold-in for Christian Gonzalez
The Patriots posted a video of the players arriving on Friday ahead of the first official practice, and right at the beginning was a shot of star cornerback
Christian Gonzalez opening the door. So that ended any speculation of the cornerback not coming to training camp as he awaits a new contract. But a hold-in was always possible.....
NOPE.
Instead, Gonzalez was a full participant, taking part in the team drills and was with the starters during 11s, which was a change from the spring and early summer.
But, his willingness to play without a new deal could have something to do with what owner Robert Kraft revealed before practice.
"We love Christian Gonzalez. We love him as a player, as a person," Kraft stated. "That’s why we’ve made an offer to him that makes him the highest-paid player ever to play that position in the NFL, and coincidentally, it’s the highest contract in the Patriots franchise history. So we’re glad we drafted him and he developed here, and we hope he’ll be with us for a long time."
2. Play of the Day
It was Kayshon Boutte who had the play of the day to kick things off, with Maye connecting with the talented wide receiver along the left sideline. Boutte won his one-on-one battle with Kindle Vildor, with the reception being between 40-50 yards.
"I mean, it's nothing new," Maye said of Boutte's catch after practice. "I mean, you guys see it. I mean, all year last year and the year before, and he just keeps doing things right. And I'm proud of him for getting in there, jumping in there. And he understands if he's got something down the sideline and a ball down the field, he's got a chance it's coming his way. So, great catch, and I think that was the better start off camp with a little bit of a deep one. So, we were one-for-one to start."
3. A.J. Brown gets first target of the day
While the pass ultimately ended in an incompletion, it was of note that on Drake Maye's first pass in team drills, he sent the ball to A.J. Brown, who was going up against Gonzalez. Brown jumped up and attempted to make a one-handed grab, but it was just out of his reach.
"I think I had to, you know, one-on-one over there with Gonzo,” Maye said. “I tried to start off the camp with a little bang, but I gotta make a better throw for him.”
4. Quarterback stats
All three quarterbacks got some good reps in, with Drake Maye leading the way by targeting numerous different receivers.
Drake Maye: 6-of-9 Completions to Rhamondre Stevenson (2), Romeo Doubs, Hunter Henry, DeMario Douglas and Boutte.
Tommy DeVito: 3-of-6Completions to Doubs, Douglas, and Eli Raridon.
Behren Morton: 3-of-4Completions to Kyle Dixon, Myles Montgomery, and Efton Chism III.
Running backs also had a busy day, with TreVeyon Henderson having seven carries while Rhamondre Stevenson had three.
5. Coach DeAndre Hopkins reporting for duty
DeAndre Hopkins was out with the team for the first day, wearing a long-sleeved shirt and a Patriots hat, looking the part of a coach. He spent the morning with the wide receivers, helping out Todd Downing during the individual drills.
“I’m from the south, and DeAndre Hopkins went to Clemson two hours down the road. That’s kind of my era of watching college football and seeing him in the NFL and having him on my fantasy team,” Maye told reporters. “It’s cool to shake his hand. His hands are twice as big as mine. And just have him be out here and share some information and just be a young adult and a great player in this league. A legendary player. To play at a high level and share some information is awesome.”
6. Starting offensive line is clear
There were no surprises among the offensive line during practice, with the presumed starting five taking their spots. It was Will Campbell at left tackle, with Alijah Vera-Tucker at left guard, Jared Wilson at center, followed by Mike Onwenu at right guard and Morgan Moses at right tackle. Caleb Lomu appears to be the top swing tackle, swapping in for Morgan Moses at one point while also playing right tackle when DeVito was at quarterback.
7. A nice day by the edge defenders
With Harold Landry on PUP and Jacas' contract situation, it was Elijah Ponder who was starting opposite Dre'Mont Jones. Ponder made the 53-man roster last season as an undrafted rookie, finishing with four sacks, five quarterback hits, and two fumble recoveries. He is certainly primed for a bigger role.
As for Jones, he finished the day with a pass breakup, batting down one of Maye's passes at the line of scrimmage. Bradyn Swinson also finished the day with a PBU.
8. Attendance
Mike Vrabel said it himself on Friday, but attendance for the start of camp was at an impressive level. The only player who wasn't present was edge rusher Gabe Jacas, who has been in the middle of some contract drama, but that appears to have all ended. During practice, it came out that Jacas had finally signed his rookie deal, a four-year $8.6 million contract. Newly signed tight end Jeremiah Franklin wasn't spotted at the beginning of practice, but ultimately did show up and joined in the drills.
As for the others who weren't there, running back Terrell Jennings and safety Brenden Schooler have started coming on the non-football injury list, while tight end C.J. Dippre and edge rusher Harold Landry are on the physically unable to perform list.
What's next
The Patriots will be back out on the practice field on Sunday, July 26, for their second practice. The session is set to begin at 10:15 a.m., and gates will open an hour prior.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 8 takeaways from Day 1 of Patriots training camp
