(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
There is a perception that mandatory minicamps in the NFL are nothing but grueling, hard work consisting of running, push-ups, weight training, and tightly orchestrated football drills.
But in recent years, teams have placed more of an emphasis on team-bonding activities that have nothing to do with the game itself.
On Wednesday, the New England Patriots took a bit of a break from the monotony and hard work of minicamp and had a little bit of fun, according to Mike Reiss.
A team-building, no-practice day for Patriots on Day 3 of mandatory minicamp.
There was a sense of finality after Tuesday’s practice. They went through everything, including contingency personnel situations (e.g. backup QB steps in, backup C steps in etc.).
So now, some fun.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 14, 2023
The Patriots are still trying to build an identity three years after the departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady, and they’re hoping to return to the playoffs this winter.
They have new wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is fresh off playing a key role in the Kansas City Chiefs winning their second Super Bowl in four seasons, and they’re hoping he will give them some much-needed firepower.
Last season, New England ranked 17th in points scored and 26th in total yards gained, and this offseason, they lost wideout Jakobi Meyers, their only productive receiver in 2022, to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Of course, a big chunk of the team’s hopes for this coming season rests on the shoulders of quarterback Mac Jones.
He must rebound from a dismal 2022 campaign and build on the promise he displayed as a rookie the previous year when he made the Pro Bowl.
One thing that would greatly help Jones develop is getting free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowler who is scheduled to meet with the team soon.
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