Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - New England Patriots Training Camp Day 1 Takeaways: Drake Maye, Matthew Judon and More

Episode Date: July 25, 2024

The New England Patriots were back in action on the Gillette Stadium practice fields on Wednesday, as they opened 2024 training camp. Host Mike D’Abate is joined by Thomas ‘Murph’ Murphy as the duo discuss the first camp practice for head coach Jerod Mayo, rookie quarterback Drake Maye and a new-look offensive line. They also provide their thoughts on the post-practice comments made by linebacker Matthew Judon regarding his contract situation. #nfl #patriots Find and follow Locked On Patriots on your favorite podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c5ZxFm... Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-... And follow host Mike D’Abate on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the New England Patriots and talking with fans — @mdabateNFL  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply. eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply. FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

New England Patriots training camp has begun and Drake May had a hell of a first day. Stick around, you're about to be locked into this training camp edition of the Locked On Patriots podcast. You are Locked On Patriots, your daily New England Patriots podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello to all of you, Foxborough faithful. Thank you once again for making Locked On Patriots the daily part of your New England Patriots coverage

and also, and hopefully, your first listen each and every day. Remember, Locked On Patriots is not only a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day, but we are also free and available on all platforms, including YouTube. So smash that subscribe button and download and follow Lockdown Patriots wherever you're getting your podcasts to make sure that you get the latest episode as soon as it's available. I'm your host, Mike DeBate. I cover your New England Patriots for the Patriots country.

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Patriots. And today's episode, folks, is brought to you by GameTime. Download the GameTime app, create an account, and use the code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Pats fans, time for the talk is over. Your New England Patriots have opened up 2024 training camp, a new era, a new dawn, and a new day in Foxborough. And if we're kicking off the most exciting day of the Patriots season thus far, who else would we bring in but the most electrifying guest we have here on Locked on Patriots? He is the Count of Murphy Fisto.

He is the Green King of Sting, the Monster Master of Disaster. On occasion, he is the dancing destroyer my good friend the legend himself thomas murphy thank you for coming to me today to help me kick off training camp in style don't murder oh yeah paulie more wine more wine you look terrific out there yeah go do your job so i was up doing my job today uh you know i was hiding in the weeds sitting sitting next to the wall and and just taking in the sights and it was it was a beautiful day in foxborough a new era has dawned and um if you know mike said that uh you know the time for talking is over well yeah it is and no it isn't because that's what we're here to do.

We're here to talk to a few people about what happened on day one and, you know, break down everything we saw and a few of the things we ate. Absolutely. That's a good point. I'm glad. The time for the talk, folks, is not over because we'd be out of a job and that's not a good thing. But the time for evaluation has just begun, and I think that's what we're going to do here today. A lot to evaluate, a lot to break down, an exciting day in Foxborough. You know, it's opening day, Murph. We love it.

I know it's not opening game day, but opening training camp day is special in football. It just is. It's Christmas in July, and there's an aura of invincibility in the air. Every team is 0-0. There's a chance anything could happen. You think back to the early days of 2000 when no one expected the Patriots to make the playoffs. And their opening training camp at Bryant University in Rhode Island. And that team came together and won a Super Bowl. Anything can happen. I'm not saying that's going to happen here, folks.

I'm probably going to get a lot of hate mail for that but you understand that yeah there is there's a difference in the air it always gets me thinking of movie Top Gun Murph I know you're a fan everybody's a fan an 80s child is a fan of the movie Top Gun and it makes me think about one Commander Mike Metcalf call sign Viper favorite character of our good friend Mark Schofield, by the way. Definitely want to give a tip of the cap to Mark because he consistently quotes this gentleman. And to me, every time I see the Patriots come out, take the field for the first time,

I can hear Tom Skerritt's voice. Gentlemen, had a hell of a first day. And that's exactly what I thought about today while I watched the Patriots take the field, including Gerard Mayo saying that it is an exciting time and that he does feel a difference from last year to this year and it is a lot different the seat that he's in the whistle he carries the clout that he carries now is much different time to weather the tower yeah definitely i think the patriots did that i think drake may buzz the tower at least once today we're going to get into that in just a second but gerard addressing the media today saying that it was an exciting day dropped a couple of pearls of wisdom things that might

be interesting to some of the fans out there anyone looking forward to padded practices uh they will probably be about a week away gerard said that he wants the patriots to practice at least seven times or for seven days without the pads so unofficial calculation done by our good friend our mutual friend mike reese of espn august 1st looking like the first added practice so if you're looking for the pads and a little bit of contact folks gonna be a little ways away but this is a young team it's a new team with a new head coach I understand where he's coming from Gerard also saying that today's session on Wednesday was going to be about 90 minutes which is exactly what it went and that it was going to focus on a lot of early down work when we saw Jacoby Brissett take some reps and he looked pretty good today other

than one interception that was you know I think more of a credit to the defensive backs rather than himself but at the same time all eyes were also on drake may he is the number three pick in the draft murph whether he is the opening day starter or not attention is going to be on him and i thought drake delivered today unofficial statistics compiled by another one of our mutual friends, Mark Daniels of MassLive. Drake completing two of six and 11 on 11s and four of six and seven on seven drills. But he delivered the play of the day, a 40 to 50 yard bomb, depending on some of the calculations that were done to receiver Jalen Rager. We'll go 40 plus on that. Okay. 40 plus in the middle.

40 plus. Exactly. I think 40 plus, that's a fair evaluation i like that um when you look at drake may's first day how would you rate drake's first appearance in a patriots uniform for real because now we're in the training game yeah it's an a plus you know it's an a plus it was kind of obvious that drake has not spent a lot of time under center there are some growing pains there there will be a learning curve uh like i said he hasn not spent a lot of time under center. There are some growing pains. There will be a learning curve.

Like I said, he hasn't spent a lot of time under center, and that's what he's going to have to do in this Alex Van Pelt-style offense that they're rolling with this year. There was one bad pass where he killed a couple of gophers, but it by all means was not terrible. I like the way he commanded while he was out there under center. It's obvious that as of right now, he is not the most game-ready quarterback on the Patriots roster. Yeah, I think that's a very good point because you look at what Jacoby Brissett did and his final statistical tally, five of seven and 11 on 11s, five of six and seven on sevens.

Consistency, comfort level with the first team offense because Jacoby was taking the reps with the first team offense, including a little bit of a new look offensive line. Murph and I are going to spend a whole segment on that in just a second. So we're going to show that for just a moment. But I thought Jacoby looked sharp. He looked in command and he looked like the more seasoned of the quarterbacks out there, but I loved what I saw from Drake and anybody that's clamoring to see this kid out on the field. I think what we saw, if we continue to see the same type of performance, the same type of bravado

and the same type of growth that we've seen drake looked like a more commanding quarterback today than in rookie minicamp and in mandatory minicamp and that's what you want to see from a rookie one thing that i really loved about what alex had him doing and maybe drake deserves the lion's share of the credit for this maybe alex does by game plan but a lot of the completions and a lot of the work that you saw Drake May taking were flats check downs short intermediate areas of the field again like Gerard said to open yeah very nice shot to Juju that was a really really nice pass if his shot to Rager was the play of the day and I don't think anyone will argue that yeah I think the second best play of the day was that shot to Juju

and it's good to see him get that ball as well yeah spread the ball around and be able to utilize it to some of his receivers um but it's a good thing that you saw drake practicing these moves and it goes back to what gerard said to over the training camp practice and he said it was going to be early down work this is where a quarterback goes to work on early downs they use the flats they use They use the short check downs, intermediate areas of the field. That's what you need to see from Drake May, and I thought he did a good job of navigating that. I agree. I agree.

And, you know, hats off to Gerard Mayo for going about this the way he has. Usually in years past, you see Bill Belichick open up with total red zone, red zone stuff. Let's get into the red zone and let's score some points and see what we have here. What Mayo did was keep it in between the 20s so these guys could get a rhythm going, get some progression going. Even without pads, this is really important. And Drake did really well, as so did Jacoby.

It was a nice change of pace, shall we put it. You know, I mean, as steamy as it has been in years past. And I think that has to do not only with the temperature, but in the way practice was laid out. You could tell that the guys had been in meetings early, went out, and were able to execute what they took away from those meetings that happened in the morning. It translated on the field really, really well. Yeah, I do. I believe that. I know we're giving a lot of love and a lot of press to the quarterbacks right now. We're spending a whole segment talking basically about Drake May and Jacoby Brissett.

But I want to give a lot of credit to the defensive backs as well who went out there and challenged these wide receivers. Of course, Jacoby throwing a days-only interception. Big credit to Jonathan Jones on that. He deflected the pass. Kyle Duggar right in the right place at the right time. Once again, folks, not happenstance. That's by design. These guys work so well together in tandem.

That defensive backfield, I think, is going to be such a strength for this team. Oh, my God. I tip my cap to you, my friend, because you nailed this a couple of weeks ago here on Locked On. When I was touting that front line and that defensive front and saying they're going to get after the quarterback and Judon's healthy and, you know, Devon Gottschall's playing with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. Barmore is ready to break out. You're touting the secondary, and that was very wise and very astute on your part because Christian Gonzalez rounding into form.

He's healthy now. Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones in the slot. And the gentleman I mentioned here yesterday is one of those unsung heroes that you love. I called it a Bolden prediction, and I know you love it. Grin from ear to ear. Isaiah Bolden had a pass breakup today. He can get the job done in the field as well as in the return game. Patriots got something special brewing here in this defensive backfield.

Yeah, you know, I might have to get another Bolden jersey. I have two now. Absolutely. I may join you. I absolutely love Isaiah's game. Great guy, great player, and I really can't wait to see what he can do this year. But of course, you want to see him doing it against other quarterbacks, not against your own. But there is something to be said about that because these quarterbacks are being tested by a great secondary and to me iron sharpens iron that's exactly how you're going to be able to do this um i thought a good day for the quarterbacks good day for the defensive backs a good first day all the way around and like as you know like i said just um you know pump the brakes i know you're all um sitting there waiting for you know

game one and get Drake May out there. And even some people in the comments from the last show talking about, well, the best players play. The best players don't always look like the best players when they're this young, this inexperienced, and quite frankly, have taken three snaps under center in their entire life. Yeah, that's a good point. And look, there is something to be said about playing the best players.

Any good coach will do that. But there's also a difference between having the best players play and doing what's best for the football team. Right. Sometimes those don't always intersect. I was impressed by what I saw from Jacoby. If he's going to be the guy to start the season, I think the Patriots will be in good hands. They'll be in capable hands.

But I was very impressed by what I saw from Drake because the future is bright with this. Just has to come together, but he's growing each and every time you see him on the field and you love to see it, Murph. You do. You really do. I expect to continue to see this kind of growth going forward and I can't wait to watch these guys put it all together get the pads on get the running game involved in it you know see what this outside zone um concept can can do we saw a bit of it today um you know with the rollouts that drake was was making you

know go one way he's rolling out the other boom juju smith schuster uh who who did he looked uh fantastic today he did to steal something else not a limp not not a not a not a hitch in his step at all and uh and that could be scary for a couple of the younger guys on this team as to whether or not um not whether or not they're going to make it but if this keeps up how much time they're going to spend on the field right exactly yeah all of a sudden that wide receiver competition becoming a little bit more wide open and sounds like a lot of things were clicking on all cylinders for the Patriots today a pretty solid first outing for your favorite team from Foxborough but if all eyes were on the quarterbacks a lot of other eyes

were on the offensive line as well and I know yours was focused on this line. Murph, a little bit of a different starting look today. Right. How much different and what does it mean for the Patriots moving forward? Are we seeing a changing of the guard? Literally. Murph and I are going to answer that question and more when this episode of the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. A proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day.

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Download the GameTime app, create an account, and use the code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply, so again, create an account and redeem the code LOCKEDONNFL, that's L-O-C-K-E-D-O-N-N-F-L, for $20 off. Download GameTime today. Last minute tickets, lowest price, guaranteed. Patriots fans, thank you once again for joining us here today on Locked On Patriots. It is day one of training camp, and we're recapping the action here. Myself, yours truly, and of course, the legendary Connor Murphy, Fisto himself, my good friend Thomas Murphy.

And Murph, in the previous segment, we talked about May's first day and how he had a hell of a first day. Jacoby Brissett had a pretty good first day back in the Foxborough Bowl. Patriots receivers opening some eyes. Jalen Rager, pretty good day. Juju Smith-Schuster, pretty good day. Defensive backs looking solid as well. We touted Isaiah Bolden, Christian Gonzalez, and Jonathan Jones.

But there's been a recurring theme here on Locked On Patriots since the draft. And we've been talking a lot about the offensive line. It's an issue. Whether people want to acknowledge it or not, it is an issue. And how much of an issue? We're about to find out. The pads are not going to go on for about another week, maybe even more than that, Murph.

But some eyebrows were raised by the unit that came out today. Of course, the man in the middle, David Andrews, solid as he gets. You're not going to see any deviation in that. that came out today. Of course, the man in the middle, David Andrews, solid as he gets. You're not going to see any deviation in that. But Michael Wenu, once again, aligning at right guard. Calvin Anderson at right tackle. Mr. Anderson. Shifting over. Mr. Anderson, I stand corrected. Shifting over to the left side, Siddy So at the left guard position, and then Chuck Sikora, four the left tackle now Murph we've talked several times about combinations permutations of this offensive line when you saw this line come together did this make you feel better about the Patriots prospects on the offensive line did

it kind of neutralize or did this make you feel a little bit worse about the unit they're potentially throwing out there to open the season you know that, that's a good point in question, bud. It didn't make me feel better or worse. I was expecting to see what I saw today. You know, they're looking for the best five big sexies on this team, okay? And it's going to take time to figure that out, okay? I like the fact that Wallace wasn't just thrust in there to the starting right tackle position. I'm glad Mr. Anderson was here. He's, he's a man with, with

a lot more experience, you know, even on the right side, then, um, then Wallace, uh, it was, it was nice to see on way you playing both positions, the fact that uh mayo and scott peters are not not um not married to him being the right tackle uh it things are it's going to take time to shake things out when you don't have studly guys at every single position and go into a camp knowing what you have this is what's going to. And you can expect to see more of this over the next few days. Good point. Very good point. And Michael Wenu, after practice had concluded, spoke with the media and said, look, I'll do whatever they want me to do.

Whatever number they call for me, whatever position they call for me, that's what I'll do. Happy to be here. Hope to help the ball club. That's the mission. That's what you want to hear as a coach, and that's what this guy is shouting from the rooftops. You know, send me out there at right guard all week long. Let me know the night before that I'm playing right tackle, okay, or vice versa.

It doesn't matter to him. You know, he signed a new contract. He's a very happy camper. He just wants to go out and play football. And luckily for everybody in New England that is cheering this team on, he's able to do it from multiple positions. Absolutely. Very well said. And it was so good to see Mike back out there on the field today.

Good to see Anderson back out there too. Really wonderful to see Calvin without any question, possibly even more, just based off of everything he's had to go through this offseason of the belt with illness and then him coming back and being able to overcome that plus injury uh with scary heart situation last year i mean this guy has been through an awful lot and calvin is really one of the great guys he truly is a humble um appreciative human being and to see him back out on the field was really really special and look i mean he's playing at a high level people forget that the 2022 season in denver was his best statistical season right since he's been a pro 47 of denver's offensive snaps he aligned on he was only credited with giving up two sacks and 15 quarterback pressures. So this is a

guy that if he's healthy, can really make things interesting. I think what you saw from Chuck Sikora for today is probably what you're going to get starting in that position. And look, this is another guy that started predominantly at right tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's seen time on the left. He's seen a little bit more than some of the others that we've talked about here on Locked On Patriots, about guys that could get the start on the left side. We've seen him also report in as an eligible tight end in jumbo packages. We could see that. So Okorafor could be another guy that's very versatile and has a lot out there to be able to contribute.

But bottom line, I think we're going to really see what this line is going to start to look like when the pads come on in another week i think you're going to see a lot of different combinations um i think you'll see caden wallace at some point get a little yeah get a look at with the starters and the number one unit just to see how he fares if this kid's ready for prime time yet or if he still needs a little seasoning i think you'll see layton rob Robinson get out there. They're going to give these guys a look. Antonio Mafi is someone that I think you could see get extended looks one-on-ones. These early practices are the way that you find what the offensive line can do. And then when the pads come on, you start to try to get units together and you start to try to build a cohesive unit, a unit that works as one, because you've said this eloquently for years

here on Locked On Patriots, an offensive line has to be in sync in order for it to be successful. And you can have all the individual talent in the world. If you don't have these guys working as a unit, it's not going to work. No, it's not. And especially in this offense, in this, in this stretch zone offense, they, they have to work together and they also have to work with the running backs in, in almost perfect symmetry. Okay. This is, this is not something that is, is to be trifled with, you know, you get somebody, you get your running back killed. If you're in the

wrong place at the wrong time, you'll get, you'll make the guy that's standing next to you look stupid. And believe me, nobody on an offensive line wants to make the guy standing next to him look stupid. It's almost a dance, this offensive scheme for the offensive line. They're going to have to get on the same page. This is what Bill tried to do a couple of years ago. And it's the reason that they drafted somebody that everybody just keeps on killing and keeps on killing because he's perfect for this offense.

It's the reason that they drafted Dr. Strange. And it's going to take time to work out. And they're behind the eight ball here with, with the moving pieces that they have. They tweaked guys in and out all afternoon and they're going to keep on doing it until they find the guys that can dance together. That's such a good point. And I found myself thinking that an awful lot today about how much I really wanted to see Cole in this offense and see what he could do. Um, I know there are a lot of people out there that are going to detract from him that don't like the pick.

And you know what? Everyone's entitled to their opinion. I'm not going to argue with anyone one way or another, but I can tell you I've seen this kid work and I've seen his work ethic and I've seen the type of effort that he puts in and the desire that he has to want to succeed and want to excel. Absolutely. And he is. He is a very good guard, a very good interior offensive lineman when he's healthy.

A guy that can play in the middle, a guy that can play on the right side or the left side. Had the great fortune of speaking to Rusty Wright, his college coach over at Chattanooga very shortly after he was drafted. And he said that. He says, you're going to get a guy that's not going to work 110%. He's going to find a way to give you 120. And unfortunately, health just hasn't followed him from Chattanooga to New England. But I would have loved to see what he looked like today and subsequent weeks in an Alex

Van Pelt offense, because this is tailor-made for him. But such is the hand which the Patriots were dealt. I think City and I think Ueno, obviously, at right guard, a position he knows well, are going to be a solid tandem on the interior, helping out Andrews. It's going to be the tackles. It's going to be who settles into those roles. To me, this is a battle I can't wait to watch.

And the great thing about it is, folks, it's only just begun. We've just scratched the surface. And we're not done yet here on Locked On Patriots either, because another one of the most prominent Patriots took the podium after practice today. Linebacker Matthew Judon had an awful lot to say, and a lot of it made so much sense that it almost put Murph and I out of a job. But we're still going to break it down for you and give you our thoughts on Matthew Judon's comments, his performance, and what it means for the Patriots' future heading into Thursday and day two of training camp practices when this

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going to talk about the defense because there are a lot of eyes on the defense right now, and both Matthew Judon and Devon Godshaw right now, I don't want to say embroiled in contract talks or stalls or anything like that, but they are progressing in their desire to get a new contract. Definitely not a stretch of the imagination to say that for Devon, and it's certainly not for Matthew Judon. He was very vocal about how he feels about his contract. After practice, he took the time to meet with the media and had some very interesting things to say about his situation and what he's going to be out there on the field. Murph, the biggest takeaway from this for me was one of the reasons why we admire Matthew so much. He is not going to be a distraction. He's going to do his job on the

field. He's going to do it to the best of his ability. And he's also going to work behind the scenes tirelessly to make himself happy so he can stay here for the long term. What were your thoughts on Matthew's approach? What were your thoughts on Matthew's comments? And how does it make you feel about prospects of remaining here in New England long-term? I think it's admirable. I thought it was quite dignified. But now that we know that Matthew is going to play, there's not going to be a holdout situation. It's not going to be acrimonious.

He came right out and said he absolutely does not want to be traded. I believe Haldon was the way he answered that question. We, unless the Patriots are thinking something drastic here, he's going to be in New England this season. How much does he enhance that front seven by being here and being motivated as much as he is? Immensely. Okay.

It can almost not be counted as to what he means to this, to this defense, even though it's already a great defense. He's a fantastic athlete that knows this game, knows this defensive scheme and opens up so much more for everybody else. Okay. You know, as good as things were last year, they were even better when he was able to be on the field. And and you can expect to see more of that. And it's not like this man is is injury prone. It's not like he's spending time in the tub nursing, nagging things. He was he was a lot of bicep for Christ's sakes.

You know, it's a he wasn't in there with a sore hammy. He wasn't in there. He was out there on the field when there was turf toe happening. It's almost Dante Hightower-esque what this man brings to this team. And the fact that, you know, he does not sit out. It takes an injury like this to keep him off the field. He's a leader out there. He's a winner out there. And this Patriots defense can carry this team to maybe two or three more wins with him on the field. Without question. Absolutely without question. And again, we've

talked about this several times, his ability to be a facilitator as well as being a premier pass rusher. How much he helps guys like Christian Barmore and Joshua Uche. They play so much better and are so much more confident in their game when you know you have someone with the talent of Matthew Judon commanding the attention of opposing offensive lines and opposing blockers. It definitely is something that the Patriots will relish this year, having him in the fold. And again, bottom line, I mean, the Patriots played well last year without him, but he can counter that by saying, imagine how much better we can be with him in the lineup. I think it's going to be a fun year to watch Matthew Judon. You don't have to do anything but go ask Juwan Bentley or go ask Josh Uche, go ask Raekwon McMillan,

go ask, you know, Jelani Tavai, who just signed his, his big contract extension. I understand that the man is not 24 anymore, but he, he still brings it every single down and he brings it like nobody else on this

team can do. All right. Outside of Christian Gonzalez, he's the best else on this team can do all right outside of Christian Gonzalez he's the best defender on this team yeah without any question and bottom line I think it's going to again I think it comes down to it being a very fun year to watch Matthew Patriots are going to have a lot of questions to answer and knowing that they have someone as capable as Matthew Judon at the linebacker position helping to navigate this front seven. It's going to be a huge plus for this team and definitely a boost that they've needed.

You mentioned Gonzalez. He's going to be another one that's going to give this team a boost. A lot of guys that were injured last year, Marcus Jones being another one, that are coming back. A lot of links now being fastened. So that way this defense. Yeah, a very good defense last year, a top 10 defense that is getting back three of its best players.

Absolutely, without question. And again, you're also adding years on from guys that had career years last year. Anthony Jennings for one, Jelani Tavai for another. These guys are now rounding into form and becoming strong members of this front seven, strong members of this defense. Jabril Peppers last year, no question about it. The only thing that I can see that's keeping this and Devon Gottschall's contracts in limbo is the fact that the Patriots have, I think, the second or the third

pick on waivers. They're second or third in the waiver order right now. And maybe they're waiting for somebody to get cut, somebody to get dropped that has a massive contract and they can swoop in and grab him, possibly, you know, that guy that could solidify this offensive line. It's funny that you mentioned that because Matthew did have a quote. He did mention something similar about that, and mentioned the inner workings of what Elliott is trying to do. I'm going to read his quote verbatim here, because I do think it's perfect that you mention that. I know he didn't, and that's why I'm going to do this.

They're trying to do what's best for the team, rightfully so and and understandable they're trying to put us in the right spot to win games and leverage everybody's contract in the right situation make sure the salary cap is right so when we get in a tough spot later on in the year we can sign players and whatnot it's not up to me what they do with me i pay myself a lot of money and then just be cool with it right everybody had a nice laugh there when matthew said that but bottom line he did say it's not up to me it's up to the team to decide my value i know i'm under contract and i'm going to continue to play as such but i think it's very interesting that you mentioned that because matthew was well aware of it too so maybe that factors in maybe that helps him to understand what the patriots are doing i don't know that's

matthew betting on himself an awful lot heading into the final year of his contract. But if he's confident in the team and in and of himself, it could be a risk worth taking. We'll find out in the long run. For him, yes. For the Patriots, it could be really expensive. I'm saying get this done now because if he goes out and has the year that he's capable of having and he's able to walk, you're not going to be able to afford it. Absolutely. Because there will be a team out there that will pay him top dollar and more than what the Patriots are willing to offer. The cap's not just going up for the Patriots, people. Right.

Absolutely. It's not. There are going to be a lot of teams with a lot of money to spend next year. But, Murph, we haven't even begun this season yet. We are one practice deep deep and there's still a lot of training camp left folks if you're heading to Gillette either toward the end of this week or over the weekend please continue to do so in a safe manner but it's a great atmosphere the Patriots have done a great job again Gillette and the surrounding areas look amazing it's really

it's fun for the whole family it It really is a great day out, and you get to see some of your favorite players take the field up close and personal. And on that note, my friend, I do want to thank you for joining me here today, because we couldn't kick off training camp without the wisdom, the counsel, and the know-it-all fashion of my good friend, Thomas Murphy. The floor is yours, my friend. Before I let you go, please let everyone know where they can reach out to you and what you got marinating in Murph's kitchen between now and the next time you show up here on lockdown patrons. Yeah, I'm making some sauce. I got sausage and meatballs.

I'm just cooking over there and that's, that's just about it. Like I said, it's my playoff season here with, uh, with, with my kids and my 16 U team. So I I'm basically doing that. I'll, I'll check it on Twitter every once in a while. Luckily, I was able to head up there today. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that again this week. But no, drop Mike a line and he'll be happy to come over and sign a few autographs. Absolutely, folks. And you know what? It's always fun and you never know when Murph's going to show up. So try to be there each and every day because you don't want to miss them.

And on that note, we thank all of you for continuing to make Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage and hopefully a continual part of your New England Patriots training camp coverage. Still a lot more to come here this week. So be sure to download, subscribe, and follow wherever you're getting your podcasts to get the latest episode as soon as it's available. On behalf of my good friend, the Count of Murphy, Fisto himself, the legendary

Thomas Murphy, I'm Mike DeBate reminding you all to stay safe and to stay well and to be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone, and we'll see you back here again tomorrow on Locked on Patriots.