For the second straight week, the Patriots held organized team activities at Gillette Stadium. For the first time this year we got a chance to see free agent acquisition Brandon LaFell and second-round draft pick Jimmy Garoppolo wearing a Patriots helmet. But even though fans are excited to see the rookies and free agent pick-ups wearing Patriots colors for the first time, ultimately OTAs aren't that important. In the debut article for his weekly column 'View from Above,' John Rooke asks what's the big deal with OTAs?
The New England Patriots held their third organized team activity on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium on Thursday, June 5, 2014.
This year the Brady and Patriots are hoping to have more consistency on offense. In order for that to happen, the team is hoping its young receivers can improve on their rookie season. Although Aaron Dobson is still recovering from foot surgery, Josh Boyce is present and is looking good. PFW's Paul Perillo explains that Boyce is finding his comfort zone in the offense. For more on all the happenings at OTAs this week, check out Andy Hart's Blogservations!
Prior to Thursday's OTA, the Patriots signed veteran LB James Anderson and released WR Mark Harrison. Anderson tallied 102 tackles in 2013 with the Chicago Bears and is expected to bring versatility and depth the the Patriots linebacking corps. But he may not be the only defensive player that's on the Patriots radar. According to reports, the team hosted free agent DT Kevin Williams for a visit on Thursday. This came just hours after Williams told the Patriots to "look him up" during an interview with USA Today.
Check out photos from the Patriots Cheerleaders' fourth day in Cancun.
Early morning BMAX on the beach at Paradisus Cancun Resort
BMAX on the beach at Paradisus Cancun Resort
BMAX on the beach at Paradisus Cancun Resort
BMAX on the beach at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Hands in after an intense BMAX workout
Squad photo with BMAX trainer, Andy
Leading a class for guests at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Leading a workout class for guests at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Stretchig during the workout class at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Leading a workout class at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Spending some time at the pool at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Patriots colors at the pool
Overlooking the beach at Paradisus Cancun Resort
NEPC 2014
Amber, Brittany B. and Michelle celebrate the start of their fourth year on the squad
NEPC 2014
Walking the beach at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Several members of the squad on the beach at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Giving a manicure at the kid's spa
Giving out facials at the kid's spa at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Getting a manicure and pedicure from the Patriots Cheerleaders
Patriots Cheerleaders doing hair
Braiding hair at the kid's spa at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Pedicure at the kid's spa at Paradisus Cancun Resort
Getting a facial at the kid's spa with the Patriots Cheerleaders
Photo booth after makeovers at the kid's spa
Finding their new friends on the Patriots Cheerleaders' poster
Group photo after the Kid's Spa
Group photo after the Kid's Spa
While the Patriots are busy preparing for the upcoming season, the team's cheerleaders are in Cancun for their annual calendar shoot. Check out all the behind the scenes photos from Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4 in beautiful Cancun Mexico!
Here is a full breakdown of our coverage from this week:
ARTICLES & BLOGS
News Blitz 6/2: Is the Revis addition being underplayed?
17 Scholarships given to Boys & Girls Club members at the Patriots "Science of Sports" Science Fair
Patriots sign second-round draft choice QB Jimmy Garoppolo
View from Above: What's the big deal with OTAs?
Gronkowski on 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?
News Blitz 6/3: Patriots should pass on Finley
Patriots Cheerleaders Cancun Calender Shoot -- Day 1
Ask PFW: OTAs in full swing
News Blitz 6/4: All this debate about Brady...who cares?
Patriots Cheerleaders Cancun Calendar Shoot -- Day 2
Patriots line scheme, lingo staying constant
Patriots sign veteran LB James Anderson and release WR Mark Harrison
Matt Light Cornhole Commotion coming to Gillette
News Blitz 6/5: Anderson gives Patriots LBs a much-needed boost
Josh Boyce finding his comfort level
WR Brandon LaFell playing catch up
Patriots Cheerleaders Cancun Calendar Shoot - Day 3
PFW's latest Patriots OTA blogservations
Reports: Patriots host free agent DT Kevin Williams
Patriots Cheerleaders Cancun Calendar Shoot - Day 4
News Blitz 6/6: Is the Patriots secondary the best in the NFL?
Samsonite Make Your Case: New kids on the block
VIDEOS
Kraft, Slater learn the science of sports
Garoppolo on field for OTAs
Brandon LaFell speaks to the media
Sounds from OTAs
Ridley: "Learn from mistakes and grow"
AUDIO
PFW in Progress 6/3: Is Brady a top 5 QB?
PFW in Progress 6/5: OTAs, Ridley, & World Cup
Ryan 6/5: I'm more confident this year
Ridley 6/5: RBs have to get it done as a unit
McCourty 6/5: It's good to have Chung back with us
LaFell 6/5: It's all about winning
Edelman 6/5: We still have a lot to improve
Amendola 6/5: I'm excited about where we're headed
Roster Report 6/6: James Anderson gets added
PHOTOS
