Watch CBS News

Patriots Blog: Training Camp Day 1 Observations

BOSTON (CBS) - Here are some of the observations from day one of training camp.

- Even though teams are not allowed to go full contact on the first two days of training camp, the Pats went as close to full speed as possible.  The team was in shells and they let it all hang out on 7-on-7 drills and then again on 11 on 11 drills.

- Number 72 on the Patriots for as long as I have known them, has been Matt Light.  Light is retired and now Robert Gallery wears his number.  Gallery has long hair spilling out of his helmet, so it gets a double take at first glance.  Today Gallery was on the second team at right guard.  The first team had Dan Koppen at center, Ryan Wendell at left guard and Dan Connolly at right guard.

Watch: Quick Hits From Day 1

- First-round pick Chandler Jones is number 95, and the rookie d-lineman is a huge man.  Watching him out there on the field, there's no wonder the Pats drafted him.  He's athletic and strong.  Talking to him, he comes off very bright.  He lined up in drills and his size and strength was very evident.

- Welcome back Josh McDaniels.  The offensive coordinator is once again back with the Patriots as offensive coordinator.  After stints with Denver as a head coach and the Rams as an offensive coordinator, Josh says it's great to be home.

"I feel like I have a great job, I'm blessed to work for Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick," he said. "We've got a great staff of people around us, and a team that's really willing to work hard and listen to you. That's the only thing you can ask as a coach and I'm really happy to have this position."

Patriots Blog: Belichick Checks In

So now it's up to Josh to try to install that 2007 offense that made the Patriots undefeated in the regular season.  That's easier said than done.  Right now the Pats are just trying to get their feet wet.

"The tight ends are different, the backs are a lot younger. Things have changed," McDaniels told reporters after the Patriots finished up practice in front of more than 12,000 fans. "There's a few different coaches on our staff, but I think that happens at every team every year in the NFL, and we just adapt. And we are so used to doing it by now, it kind of comes with the territory."

Follow Levan Reid on CBSBostonsports.com and on Twitter @LevanReid all Patriots' season long! 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.