So May 27th, day one of OTAs is in the bag, and whilst it is literally day one of not very much, it’s still the beginning of something!
Nine voluntary organised team activities will be undertaken over the next three weeks, with the 3 day mandatory veteran minicamp being held from the 15th to 17th of June. Whilst attendance to OTAs isn’t mandatory, three of the nine will be open to the media, so we shall be able to get a spot of insight!
Until June 2nd arrives, we are destined to be plagued by the “will they, won’t they” narrative of AJ Brown, and coming a close second in the romance listings, is the “will Boutte stay”? Such intense love stories for the start of training!
Other story lines this season may include:
“Lomu to the left, or just the right?”
“Running back three.. whoever will it be?!”
“How many linebackers do you see…”
And of course Clare’s favourite: “How rare will the Raridon catch be?”
Nothing like day one of voluntary OTAs to get the creative juices flowing.
But seriously, as fans we are just itching to know how the team is going to pan out after a close (ish) call with the Super Bowl, but it really is still early days.
We are looking towards that Maye to Doubs connection, how the defense is after it took a bit of decimating and re-filling, and just who will line up on the o-line?! Just to mention a few.
Speaking of offensive line (again? I know, I know..) with Caleb Lomu being the Patriots first round draft pick it’s perfectly reasonable that he be a subject of some chatter, especially with the possibility of him maybe even red shirting for his first season. With the (early days, but logical) projected configuration of the offensive line being LT Will Campbell, LG Alijah Vera-Tucker, C Jared Wilson, RG Mike Onwenu, and RT Morgan Moses, and with Vera-Tucker’s limited snaps as he returns from injury and Andrew Rupcich taking up the LG spot for a few plays, it’s anticipated the Pats offensive line might be switching up positions like a sleeping kitty cat on a hot summer evening.
As expected some players weren’t at voluntary practice, but Mike Vrabel stressed there had been communication with all players who were not at the facility. Those players were: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Gabe Jacas, Harold Landry III, and Kyle Dixon.
Oh and whilst on the topic of Mr-Coach-Vrabel-Sir himself, when asked how coach looked on the field, I can confirm, from a very viable source, Mr Jerry Thornton of Barstool royalty advised me:
Vrabel was at his most Vrabellish. Loud. Demonstrative. Hands on. Working with the roster bubble guys.
I don’t know about you lovely lot but that definitely settled a few of my opening of OTA nerves!
Go Pats!
This article is penned in memory of John Szimanouskas aka Cat Man Dude. John’s wife Jan confirmed on social media that John passed away on May 25th. Patriots Nation has lost one of the very best, and we are all a little poorer now. This one is for you John. Blessed be.