Following the second day of camp, NESN's Doug Kyed and Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald posted their observations from Friday's practice. Both reporters said that Jimmy Garoppolo struggled in Day 2 while Shane Vereen looked very good throughout the day. Howe also said that Kenbrell Thompkins had another very strong performance, which he capped off with a diving catch in the end zone during 11-on-11's. It's also worth noting that the cornerback covering Thompkins on the play was Darrelle Revis.
Check out photos from day two of Patriots Training Camp at Gillette Stadium on Friday, July 25, 2014.
While the players were running drills on the field, Robert Kraft was on the sideline talking with ESPN's Teddy Bruschi and Hannah Storm about his expectations for 2014. He said that the team wants to win another Super Bowl "real bad." After practice, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick also appeared on the SportsCenter set for an exclusive interview with Bruschi and Storm. Brady talked about Gronk and the progression of the team's young receivers while Belichick explained what Darrelle Revis brings to the table and even compared him to Rodney Harrison.
"As good as his physical skills are, I just think instinctively that he has a great anticipation of the passing game," said Belichick in the interview. "A lot of times he kind of runs routs before the receivers run them. He has that kind of anticipation."
Earlier that morning, Belichick also praised Jerod Mayo and his role on the defense. NFL.com's Around the League writer Kevin Patra says that Belichick looks at Mayo as an instrumental part to the Patriots defense.
"I think he means a lot to our team," Belichick said in his press conference. "He's really the guy that the team probably revolves around more than any other player.
On Thursday, Comcast SportsNet's Tom Curran and Mike Giardi shot a segment called 'What?! Mmm hmm' for CSN's weekly show, "Quick Slants." During the segment, the two reporters debated a series of topics ranging from Devin McCourty's contract situation to the the team's offensive production.
"Is that supposed to say top six? Because they're going to go through the roof," said Curran. "This is a team that was top three in points scored last year even with a bunch of clowns running out there walking around with 'hi, my name is' tags on their jerseys."
After yesterday's camp session, Rob Gronkowski spoke with the media and according to the Boston Globe's Shalise Manza Young, he's feeling good. Young says that Gronkowski expects to return to his usual high level of play and does not plan to change his physical style. Gronk also mentioned that he's on the same page right now with the coaches, the trainers, and the doctors regarding his recovery.
"Gronkowski said he's preparing to play in the regular-season opener Sept. 7 at Miami, and he spends his days focused on getting to that point," wrote Young.
For more on Gronkowski's interview, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald listed some of the highlights from the Q & A session.
On a slightly off topic note, ESPN's Stats & Information department came up with a list of ten "stats to know" about the 2014 New England Patriots. According to the article, Brady needs just one regular-season win to become the third-most winningest quarterback in NFL history. Brett Favre (186) and Peyton Manning (167) sit at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.
