There is always a thirst for football news, especially around the Patriots dynasty in New England.
So it's no surprise that Thursday's second day of media access to OTA workouts on the practice field behind Gillette Stadium led to a ton of written content for local reporters on the Patriots beat.
The Boston Globe offers up its observations from the two-hour session that took place under sunny skies and warm temperatures. A Globe columnist tries to tackle the topic of whether or not there is fun in Foxborough. The Globe also has a few Patriots responding to the recent comments from afar regarding the amount of fun players have in New England. The Globe noted that Dont’a Hightower was on the OTA field as he tackles the rehab from last season's torn pec. The Globe says rookie running back Sony Michel’s learning experience has begun. The Globe passes along Devin McCourty calling the NFL’s new National Anthem policy “dumb.”
The Boston Herald says that the fun for the Patriots comes with winning. Herald columnist Steve Buckley writes that McCourty is correct to protest the NFL’s new Anthem policy. The Herald looks at second-year defensive end Deatrich Wise set to build off of an impressive rookie season. The Herald has Hightower feeling “good” participating in the OTA work. The Herald writes about Michel’s early work in New England.
The Providence Journal has the Patriots claiming they have fun despite what some Eagles players have said. The Pro Jo notes that New England was happy to have former Lakers star Kobe Bryant as an OTA practice guest earlier this week. The Pro Jo declares that Hightower is back and the defensive captain hopes to keep it that way.
ESPNBoston.com says that Hightower’s return could be the Patriots addition this coming season. ESPNBoston.com has New England players declaring that losing is what’s not fun, so they are having fun.
WEEI.com explains why Tom Brady reportedly working out with Julian Edelman while he skips OTA workouts is not a good look for the quarterback. WEEI.com passes on ESPN analyst Tedy Bruschi blasting players who complain about Bill Belichick. WEEI.com has Harvey Langi expressing his happiness at being back on the field after being sidelined following a car accident last fall. WEEI.com states that players who didn’t have a long tenure in New England shouldn’t comment on whether or not it’s fun in Foxborough. WEEI.com gets Michel’s reaction to a tough day on the practice field.
NBC Sports Boston reports that Brady has indeed been a “semi-regular” at Gillette Stadium working out in the team’s indoor practice facility throwing to Edelman. NBC Sports Boston has its observations from the OTA work. NBC Sports Boston notes that tight end Martellus Bennett joined Bruschi on social media defending the fun that’s had in New England. NBC Sports Boston then flat-out declares that Foxborough is fun.
NFL.com has Hightower saying that playing for the Patriots “is not for everybody.”
CBSSports.com says the Patriots will slow their winning ways at some point, but it won’t be in 2018.
A NESN.com mailbag looks at which surprise player could make the Patriots 53-man roster.
