FOXBOROUGH - The pads aren't on yet, but the tone is already set.

As the Patriots opened training camp on Wednesday, the defensive side of the ball wasted no time working toward its identity, one built on two fundamental keys: effort and finish. With Mike Vrabel now at the helm and Terrell Williams back calling plays, the foundation of the 2025 Patriots defense is taking shape.

"There's an energy in the building," Vrabel said. "The players seemed excited. We had a long meeting, and they stayed engaged. I'm excited to hit the field with them, and our coaches are ready to work and continue to build what we started in the offseason."

That energy was palpable on the field, where linebacker Robert Spillane led a vocal and focused unit through two limited team periods. "Effort and finish is our number one goal out there on every play," Spillane said. "It starts with that and ends with that. [Coach Vrabel's] going to put out the best people that want to work and want to put out the effort."

Spillane, flanked by veterans like Christian Elliss and Jahlani Tavai, praised the communication and leadership across the defense. "We've got a lot of leaders on this defense, a lot of experience," he said. "Our guys up front are just dogs, and we just want them to go eat."

One of the most meaningful developments on day one was the return of defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who missed time over the offseason due to undisclosed health issues. His presence has already made an impact.

"It's good to see him out here calling plays and just getting back in the groove of things," said defensive tackle Milton Williams. "He's coached a lot of great players, and it's fun to pick his brain and see what you can add to your game."

Williams, acquired this offseason, is emerging as a leader and tone-setter alongside Christian Barmore. "Every time we come out here, we just get more confidence in each other to execute," he said. "It's on us to make sure the defense goes. It's going to go as we go."

Vrabel echoed that sentiment, noting Williams' maturity and leadership. "He's fun to coach," Vrabel said. "He's here all the time, shows up early, takes care of his body. He's a true pro."

While Williams confirmed that the defense is only running a fraction of its full playbook, Vrabel is focused on laying the groundwork for everything that follows. "The fundamentals in this game are a foundation, so the foundation has to be built here in training camp," Vrabel said. "We'll adjust and add time in the way that we take care of the football, the attention to detail, and the ability to turn the football over."

Even without pads, Vrabel is watching closely for signs of cohesion and urgency. "There's an organization to it, a flow to practice, the operation, the substitution," he said. "Just the efficiency in which we work."

Spillane summed the first day of camp up best: "We had great energy today, and we just want to keep building on that."

DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer