FOXBOROUGH – The New England Patriots kicked off the Mike Vrabel era on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium on Tuesday with their first OTA session of the spring open to the media.
Vrabel started the session off with an on-field press conference, excited to move on to the next phase of the offseason but aware that evaluation is difficult at this early stage.
The head coach succinctly boiled down what he's looking for in the stripped-down sessions.
"That we're in and out of the huddle, that there's clean substitution, that there's communication," said Vrabel. "You hear the defense making checks when somebody on the offense moves or motions. There's coordination, that the offense is moving with urgency and that the play clock isn't sitting at zero for four seconds. All the operational things. Then obviously, there's got to be a level of execution when we're in the speed. Then when we get to the jog through, can we practice at a tempo that's less than 100% and still get something out of it?"
The session lasted just under two hours and featured plenty of position and team drills. Attendance was nearly perfect, with only rehabbing receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie Joshua Farmer not spotted. However, plenty of other players appear to be working back through offseason bumps and bruises.
Still, it was a packed house with plenty to look for after nearly four football-less months.
Vrabel said Stevenson remains away from the team for personal reasons after the passing of his father, sharing, "He's going to be a large part of what we do, and we'll just have to determine where he's at when he's back here."
The new-look Patriots defense, spearheaded by free agent acquisitions Milton Williams, Robert Spillane and Harold Landry, appeared to be meshing well with holdover Patriots like Christian Barmore, Christian Gonzalez and Keion White. All were active and involved during team sessions, with Gonzalez coming away with two interceptions during team drills, the second of which showcased his unworldly athleticism.
The third-year cornerback looked like he was having fun and appears poised to build off a second-team All-Pro season in 2024. Gonzalez confirmed as much after practice.
"It's fun to get back out here, fun to be back on the grass," said Gonzalez. "You know this is what we all love to do. So, getting back out here, playing football again, being around all the guys, it's a lot of fun."
For Drake Maye and the offense, Tuesday's session represented the first steps in Josh McDaniels offense. Veteran tight end Hunter Henry, who continues to be a fixture entering his fifth season with the team, cautioned patience as the attack gets up to speed.
"We just got together a month ago and put this all in," said Henry of fledgling offense. "So there's a lot thrown at the wall right now that we're trying to make stick. I've been in this scheme, but I haven't been in this scheme with all these guys, so we're trying to mesh this well. It takes time."
Rookies Tre'Veyon Henderson and Kyle Williams saw plenty of action while fourth-overall pick Will Campbell not only got his feet wet with plenty of reps but also received an extended tutoring session from veteran Morgan Moses after practice.
"[Will's] eager to learn, he asks questions, every day he's like, 'Bro, can we get some sets,' you know just talking football," said Moses. "His locker's right beside mine, so we get to talk about football all day. Obviously, he's a stud. He's played great football in college and now he's just trying to figure it out, where it's like every week you're going against a team that has a guy."
Mike Vrabel also confirmed that the Patriots will participate in two joint practices this summer, first with the Washington Commanders in Foxborough and then with the Vikings in Minnesota.
"I think for sure that the Washington Commanders will come here and then they'll play us, and then we are excited to go to Minnesota," said Vrabel. "It's a good setup that they have. It allows for great work. The Vikings have an excellent football team, and we have worked with them before, so we're excited to go back up there."
The Patriots will host two more open practices, May 28 and June 2, before mandatory minicamp, which is scheduled for June 9 – 11.
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