Newton took part in nine of 13 spring practices, saving his best for last, when he was in complete command in Wednesday’s final day of mandatory minicamp.
Newton, of course, wasn’t even on the team at this time in 2020.
And that’s before the pads even come on, when some of Newton’s other best assets, such as the quarterback being a major factor in the running game, shine brighter.
You can tell he’s been at a place where’s got some coaching,” Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown said.
What stood out from watching Jones was how much offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels tested him mentally.
When he had it going, the passing game most closely resembled what it had been for the better part of the past two decades from a timing, rhythm and accuracy standpoint.
He seems to enjoy being a Patriot, is open to sticking around, and this was his least-expensive-but-most-decisive way of sparking more productive contract talks with the team, so he can feel better about being part of New England’s present and future.
Mac’s poise: When longtime safety and captain Devin McCourty was asked his initial impression of Mac Jones, the first thing he said was that the QB “seemed poised.” That was echoed by other players who noted Jones’ experience at Alabama has prepared him well.
Jonnu’s offseason: It wasn’t the ideal mandatory minicamp for big-money, free-agent tight end Jonnu Smith, who appeared to tweak his hamstring on Monday and wasn’t part of any drills after that, other than as a spectator.
So it seemed more than a passing note that Brown said he plans to spend the next six weeks — when some players sneak in final vacations before the grind of the season — in Foxborough working with the Patriots’ strength and conditioning, and athletic training staff.
Former Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli has noted why hand size was often viewed as critical in New England, a lesson he learned the hard way with the Patriots’ draft selection of Kliff Kingsbury in 2003.
Belichick said assistant coaches Ivan Fears and Vinnie Sunseri pushed Harris hard, and “he’s responded well and I think he’s off to a really good start in preparation for the season.” Harris is RB1, with Sony Michel, James White, Rhamondre Stevenson, J.J.
Adams described his role over the years as “to figure out as many things as I can to help the New England Patriots win football games — whether it’s strategy, personnel or anything else.” He added, “The thing that’s been great about my job is that I’ve never had any constraints put on me.
The Patriots’ safeties coach and his fiancé, Catherine, will tie the knot June 26, a date that is like a perfectly placed punt inside the 5-yard line when it comes to wedding planning for those who work in the NFL — just after the conclusion of spring camps, and before the grind of training camp.
Did You Know: Since joining the Patriots in 2017, nobody has held opposing wide receivers to fewer yards per target as the nearest defender than Gilmore, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.