Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Pad Tuesday: New England Patriots Begin Padded Practice During 2021 Training Camp — 8/3/2021

Episode Date: August 3, 2021

As they say in football, it’s all fun and games until the pads come on. The New England Patriots have begin padded practices in 2021 Training Camp. Joining host Mike D’Abate is Steve Balestrieri of PatsFans.com.  The duo discuss the prowess and health of newcomers DL Henry Anderson and LB Raekwon McMillan.  They also provide insight on why padded practices is when the real evaluation period begins,  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. You are now locked into the Lockdown Patriots podcast. It is Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021, and it's time to put on the pads in Foxborough. And we'll break it all down for you here on your daily home for news notes and analysis infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. Locked On Patriots is presented today by RockAuto.com.

Amazing selection, reliably low prices, all the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com today and tell them Locked On sent you. Greetings and salutations, Patriots Nation, and thank you for joining me here on this Tuesday episode of the pod. My name is Mike DeBate, and I cover your New England Patriots for Patriot Maven of Sports Illustrated. I am also your host of the Locked On Patriots podcast, which, of course, is a proud part of the Locked On podcast network, your team every day.

And, folks, because it's your team every day, that means your questions, comments, and feedback are always welcomed and very much appreciated. So share that feedback. Send it to the internet by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at MDABATENFL. And while you're out there doing some Tuesday traveling through the Twitterverse, please be sure to follow the Locked On Patriots account as well at LO underscore Patriots. Pats fans, training camp is all fun and games until the pads come on.

And on Tuesday, the Patriots, along with several other NFL teams, put the pads on for the first time. The contact gets amped up, the attitudes get a little hotter, and the action on the field becomes a whole lot more real. It's Pad Tuesday here on Locked On Patriots. And here today to talk about the benefits of padded practice is our resident voice of reason. Back to his Tuesday slot on Locked On Patriots, our good friend Steve Balistrieri.

And Steve and I will break down not only the benefits of padded practices, but we'll also get into some of Steve's favorite storylines from camp so far. We'll also talk about two players on the defensive side of the ball who might have some injuries to keep a sharp eye on. Defensive lineman Henry Anderson leaving Monday's practice. Anderson apparently injuring his shoulder on a run play on Monday. He left the field, did not return, and then on Tuesday, camp standout Raekwon McMillan leaving the field after slowly getting up following a punt drill on special teams. That was apparently a leg injury. McMillan was attended to by trainers but would later walk off under his own power.

He left the field and did not return. Still a little too early to tell on what each player's status will be for tomorrow and beyond, but Steve and I will talk about exactly what each brings to the table and why we believe both Henry Anderson and Raekwon McMillan are roster locks for the Patriots in 2021. Lots to get to. Always a blast when Steve joins me here on the pod, and in just a moment, my Patriots paisan and I will break down defensive standouts, favorite storylines, and putting on the pads here on this Wednesday episode

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Why spend up to twice as much for the same parts? Go to RockAuto.com right now and see all the parts available for your car or truck. Make sure to put Locked On in their How Did You Hear About Us box so they know we sent you. Amazing selection, reliably low prices prices all the parts your car will ever need rockauto.com patriots fans again it is pad tuesday here on day six of new england patriots training camp in 2021 and because it's tuesday that means that we need a visit from our resident voice of reason who's going to help us calm down a little bit from the excitement from putting the pads on. Or is he? Maybe he's extra excited today.

He's one of the best and most knowledgeable columnists that you can find in Patriots media anywhere. Of course, you know his great work from Patsfans.com, as well as being the co-host of not one, but two amazing podcasts. Patriots 4th and 2, and of course, One Patriots Place. as well as being the co-host of not one, but two amazing podcasts, Patriots 4th and 2, and, of course, One Patriots Place. He is my Patriots Paisan. Joining me here today on Pad Tuesday is Steve Balistrieri. Welcome back to Locked On Patriots, my friend.

Hey, Mike. I'm missing you today because I wish I was with you when uh you know down at training camp with the pads on at practice and uh yeah i was having my mikey withdrawals this morning well i definitely miss my patriots pies on up here but it's always always an honor uh being alongside of you and watching the boys put the pads on whether it's a padded practice whether it's shells or whether it's just kind of walkthroughs. It's always fun to evaluate these guys on the field. But the action was definitely ramped up today without any question about it.

And we're ready to get going. We're ready to break it all down. And Steve, my first question for you today with regard to Patriots training camp involves a player that you were one of the first to be very high on when it came to to Patriots training camp involves a player that you were one of the first to be very high on when it came to the Patriots signing him in the offseason, and that is defensive lineman Henry Anderson. And I was looking forward to seeing Henry today in pads because you know what they say, but the true test of any player's progress comes when contact is initiated into those daily practice

drills. It's all fun and games until the pads come on, and that's really how you can evaluate players, especially offensive and defensive linemen, because it's so tough to get a read on these guys prior to them putting the pads on. Unfortunately, it looks like Henry is going to have to wait at least another day, and we're still not sure. We haven't heard much, but I know you probably saw the reports yesterday that Henry did in fact have to leave the field after taking a pretty tough shoulder shot yesterday during a run drill. He walked over, spoke with trainers, and he did not return to action on the field. Now, Henry is someone that comes in with a lot of expectation in terms of being able to add depth along that defensive line. I really am high on this kid, and I'm high on this kid because he not only is able to be an adept pass rusher, he can get after the quarterback in necessary situations, but he's also a very, very good run stuffer. In fact, according to NFL Next Generation Stats last year, he had the third highest run stuff rate among players

with at least 500 defensive snaps in the NFL in 2020 for the Jets. Steve, if Henry is going to be sidelined for any length of period of time, first of all, what does it mean for him and the chances of him making this roster? And secondly, what does it mean for the Patriots overall, who are really counting on someone like Henry Anderson to be a key cog in that defensive line this year? Yeah, I think he's a lock for the team. I really do. They paid him pretty good money to come here for a couple of seasons.

I think Bill Belichick knows what he can bring to the table. If he's going to be out for a significant amount of time, I think it really hurts their depth because, as you said, he's one of those versatile guys. He's not a one-trick pony. He can stuff the run. He's extremely good at that. When he's cut loose, as we saw a couple of years ago, the J uh cut him loose that one season and allowed him to get after it you know he had eight sacks from the interior that is impressive stuff and uh i think that that that's going to hurt their depth if he's out for a while without question yeah 2018 is the year you're referring to the sacks and of course, 16 quarterback hits as well. So, you know, really, I think in a lot of ways, Henry Anderson really adds a dynamic to the Patriots defensive line that they didn't really, I don't want to say they didn't have last year because I think that does a disservice to a guy like Adam Butler who played well, but I really love the versatility that this kid brings. And I've watched him in camp a little bit.

Again, it's hard to keep your evaluative eye on these guys when they're not wearing pads, but he's routinely in a position to be able to apply pressure. He's been getting in the face of the quarterback, really getting into position well to stuff the run. And unfortunately, it seemed like that's what happened yesterday, taking a pretty good shot and then coming off the field so wishing the best to Henry Anderson definitely hope that it's sooner rather than later that he gets back on the field with his new teammates wearing the pads and getting back out there and doing what he's doing I also agree with you I think he's a roster lock for this team even if it means a stint on pop or

anything in the worst case scenario i still think the patriots are definitely high on him you sign him to a two-year 11 million dollar contract in the offseason that tells me that the patriots have high hopes for this kid so best of luck again to henry anderson and uh steve i hate to you know we want to get a bad news out of the way first so i think that's always the good thing. I hate to really start off the pod today in your segment on the pod today with reports on the walking wounded. But Raekwon McMillan, linebacker, really coming in, making a strong impression in camp so far. Bill Belichick really was very effusive in his praise for Raekwon McMillan, and he's had a solid camp so far.

Bill saying when he spoke to the media on Monday about Raekwon's, how impressed he has been with his intelligence, with his work ethic. Belichick's own words, he's locked in every day. He works extremely hard both on and off the field. Rumor has it that the Patriots were very interested in him during the draft process when he was available and the Pats just couldn't get into a position where they would have been in a spot to be able to take him Raekwon is also sounding a lot like a Patriot he's sounding a lot like a Patriot and you know he mentioned that every time he was on

the field he always watched to see where Dante Hightower was, considers him a mentor. If Dante is taking this kid under his wing, huge, huge, you know, opportunities for him. Of course, folks, I did mention walking wounded. I did mention starting on a down note. McMillan was actually walking off the field on his own accord earlier today. It looked like it was a little bit of a slow get up from a punt drill that the Patriots were running in special teams. McMillan went over into the medical trailer accompanied by trainers, and then you could see him walking off toward the locker room. So not a lot known on what's going on with Raekwon McMillan

just yet. Hopefully it's minor. He was walking off under his own accord, so that's always a good sign. But we don't know for sure. So folks, we'll continue to keep you updated here on Locked On Patriots with the very latest. But Steve, again, this is another guy that you have been very high on, very vocal about his opportunity to contribute and contribute right away. Taking potential injury aside from this out of the equation, how are the Patriots a better team? How is this linebacker unit a better unit with Raekwon McMillan included in that grouping?

Well, I think he's another one of these versatile guys that Bill Belichick seems to love. He plays a core special teams role. He's one of those sideline-to-sideline linebackers who can bring some athleticism, which I thought they lacked a little bit last year. He can cover. He can stuff the run. He plays in the middle.

He's one of those versatile guys. I thought he was a perfect fit for the Patriots. I was so excited to see them pick him up in the offseason. When he came out of Ohio State in the draft, I was high on him. I was hoping the Patriots were going to sign him. Yeah, I think a lot of people would agree with you on that now. And look, that's a name that kind of goes under the radar. He was scouted.

Obviously, the Patriots looked to be one of the teams that were very interested in his services. And again, when Bill Belichick is effusive in that type of praise for a player, it really is something special and you can really see that he stood out in training camp getting up there batting down practices had a very very good practice on um on monday really was very good and very solid uh throughout last week as well used exclusively i think as an off the ball linebacker both in miami and las vegas i think that's exactly where he's going to try to play this year. It seems to be what the Patriots are grooming him for.

And, and I believe that he really has a bright future here. He does have special teams value too, which for anybody that's wondering why Raekwon McMillan might've been taking special teams, you know, drills, you know, he does have the ability to play on, you know, coverage teams in in special teams as well. You know, drills, you know, he does have the ability to play on, you know, coverage teams in special teams as well. You know, he's really, and especially in Las Vegas, he was used as a five-unit special teamer, kickoff teams, punt teams, but blocking units. So this is a guy that really barely comes off the field. And when you bring that kind of energy and that kind of prowess

to the table, it's so difficult to replicate. And I've loved what I've seen from him so far. So, again, much like Henry Anderson, folks, we're hoping the best for Raekwon McMillan, hoping to see him back out on the field much sooner rather than later. But, again, we'll continue to monitor that situation and bring you the very latest right here on Locked On Patriots. Steve, again, we always bring you here. Your counsel, your reason brings us back to a level headed place. And we've kind of started off on a couple of sour notes, even though the upside for guys like Henry Anderson and Raekwon McMillan is pretty high.

But you're an expert on padded practices. You've covered several of them and you know exactly what it means when players put on the pads. In just a moment, folks, we're going to pick Steve Balistrieri's brain a little bit and determine why it's so important to begin solid evaluations from this moment on, now that the pads are on in practice. We'll also talk about some of Steve's favorite camp storylines so far, when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues.

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You can track all the action at BetOnline. Head over to the website at BetOnline.ag and sign up today to receive your 50% welcome bonus on your first deposit when you use the promo code LOCKEDON. Don't sit on the sidelines anymore. This is your chance to get into the action. Head over to their website or use your mobile device to sign up today and receive your 50% welcome bonus on your first deposit when you use the promo code locked on bet online your online sportsbook experts folks steve balistrieri joins me here today on the pod talking some patriots training camp on day one of padded practices it's hashtag pad tuesday

in new england and steve so much is made about the pads coming on. The fans love it. It makes for good taglines. It makes for good tweets. The hashtag is out there, Pad Tuesday. The Patriots are using it. A lot of media are using it as well. And I'll be honest, it's really good to see padded practices out there.

The contact is there. The chippiness is there. The chips on the shoulders are starting to develop. The era of good feelings and all the good times and skipping around is really kind of starting to nail down. The players are getting serious. They know that preseason action is just around the corner. And they need to get themselves ready with only three preseason games this year until the main event starts in September. So, Steve, from your perspective of having covered several Patriots training camps in the past, knowing this team the way you do, what do you look for when the pads come on? And why is

it so important that evaluations from here on in are going to be what the fans and the media alike should be watching when it comes to building a potential roster? Well, the first thing is, you know, this is football. I mean, football is meant to be played in pads and it's supposed to be contact. And that's what it's all about. That's the bottom line. But now we finally get a chance to see the big guys in the middle that are going to control or lose control of a game for you. we can see how they're going to fit in and how they're going to play. Because now is when, you know, the rubber hits the road.

Those big guys, they're going to start battling on the inside. You know, during OTAs in minicamp, you know, they go through the motions and, you know, they look like they're doing some work out there. But now is when the hitting begins. And I believe, you know, I truly believe that now is when, you know, roster spots are locked in or lost because especially in that running game, now we'll see how the, you know, the offensive line looks against the defensive line and vice versa. And now we'll see that, you know, that pass rush or lack of, you know,

how it works out once the pads come on, because that's where it really comes to roost. Yeah, it absolutely really does come to roost. And it's funny that you mentioned the pass rush, because one of my highlights today from my day six camp notebook was a potent pass rush. And you really saw a lot of these guys on display today. Matt Judon had a phenomenal day out there on Tuesday getting after the quarterback. He really, I think he blew by Trent Brown at one point, untouched for a sec, had the outside inside move, really looked like a true pro.

Obviously he is, but he looked so comfortable in this Patriots defense. Christian Barmore, for all of the effusive praise we've given him here, both you, myself, Murph, we love this kid, dominated the first one-on-one period that he had in camp, winning decisively in all five of those initial battles, didn't lose a one. Really, a lot of wins up the middle. Blew by Will Sherman at one point. Really, like, just completely left R.J. Prince in the lurch.

This kid is going to be someone special, and Murph and I talked about him yesterday. So that pass rush that we were talking about with the New England Patriots, defensive linemen getting in on the train on that, and also, of course, without any question, the linebackers, especially a guy like Judon. So big day for the Patriots pass rush. And it's great to see it because you really get a chance to see what improvements they really made to this front seven, especially the linebacking core. I think it's going to be a fun year for the Patriots defensively. Last but not least, Steve, I'm going to be a fun year for the Patriots defensively.

Last but not least, Steve, I'm going to turn the floor over to you and give you a chance to talk about what some of your favorite camp storylines have been so far. I know devoid of being up there in Foxborough is something that I know is not sitting well with you, but basically you're still keeping a very sharp eye on what's going on in foxborough um the quarterback competition no doubt uh there's always a seesaw matchup back and forth mac has his days cam i think won the day today he looked solid the pads coming on making some nice throws dropping in some nice touchdowns um running back starting to look good ramondre ste Stevenson looked like he's out there to prove that he's got some strength and speed in this backfield. Of course, we mentioned the

linebackers and we mentioned the lines. What have been some of your favorite storylines so far and what do you hope to see as training camp progresses here in Foxborough? Well, I mean, so far, I mean, we're keeping our eye on that quarterback competition because I'm anxious to see how Mac Jones progresses to start training camp. I mean, I still believe that Cam Newton's going to be the starter. I still believe that the Patriots are better off in the long term if Newton starts off the year on the field. But at the same time, I want to see how, you know, how much he Jones is able to progress, you know,

in the system. And I think it's going to be fun to watch, especially in the preseason. But the other thing is the guy you just mentioned, Ramondre Stevenson. I'm so excited to see what he can do in this Patriots offense. You know, we're used to seeing those running backs kind of – a lot of them get that red shirt, you know, rookie season. I just have a feeling he's going to be much more than that. And I'm really excited to see how, you know,

he progresses in the running back room. Yeah, I am as well. And look, I think Ramondre's definitely has the ability to be able to be someone that can be counted on in this offense this year. It's not the typical modus operandi for the Patriots to bring their running backs along quickly if they're not a first-round pick. And Murph and I talked a little bit about this yesterday with Sonny Michel kind of had to bring him right in he's a first round pick Patriots needed someone at the top of that running back core Sonny came in and filled the bill pretty well in his rookie season but when you look at what Ramondre is going to bring to the table and the type of runner that he is I've compared him a lot to LeGarrette Blount and watching him in

camp the last couple of days he moves his feet a little bit more than LeGarrette to LeGarrette Blount, and watching him in camp the last couple of days, he moves his feet a little bit more than LeGarrette does. LeGarrette had more of that straight-ahead, forward, you know, running style, whereas Romandre can shift a little bit, and he looks to be, you know, maybe a little bit crisper. Maybe it's younger legs, maybe it's just a different type of style,

but that's been a surprise for me for him, and I think that's something that I'd like to continue to keep my eye on. If he continues to progress in this fashion, Patriots may have an interesting decision as to whether or not he could possibly handle the load as your number two this year. Still think Sony is the better option there and bring along Ramondre, allow him to grow into that role. But if he continues to wow and he continues to pop in camp, could be an interesting decision. So, again, I'm very much looking forward to him as well uh you mentioned mac jones's progression uh with the quarterback position and having you know observed what i observed today it is difficult for um you know mac had his he had his problems out there today without any question uh he looked a little less um confident

in terms of being able to thread the needle uh lead the receivers where he needed to be it's a little bit of a different timing schedule to be able to make those types of passes that he was making without the pads with the pads on and pro level progressions are faster than college level progression so he's gonna have to uh be able to adjust to the pro level speed. I think once he does, he'll be solid. I still like the arm strength. I still like what I'm seeing from him. But in the same respect, Cam Newton looked to be the better of the two options today. He looked more seasoned. He looked more ready to be able to lead this team. And if today is any type of an example as to what we're going to see for the rest of camp

then i agree with you cam newton will be the starter under center when the patriots go ahead and take the field uh for preseason games and even in uh into the regular season obviously most importantly steve what can i say uh always appreciate you dropping by lending your tidbits of wisdom and counsel and uh again, I really hope that someday soon we'll be sharing that grassy knoll up there in Foxborough watching these guys take the practice fields and progress toward what hopefully will be a much better 2021 than what we had in 2020.

So enjoy the time in Florida, my friend, but we still want you back up here in New England and we miss you up here a whole lot. Before I let you go, bud, please let all of our listeners know where they can find you, your great work, and what we can look forward to in the coming days and weeks from the great pen and the great voice of Steve Balistrieri. Well, thanks again, as always, Mike, for having me on. It's something I look forward to every week.

And ditto, I wish I was up there with you, man. Hopefully we'll do that again real soon. But, you know, right now we had some technical difficulties this morning trying to do the podcast with Murph and Claire. So we're going to do that tomorrow morning. And we're going to be talking about training camp. What else, right? We'll be looking at some of the battles that you and I have already talked with

and you and Murph discussed as well, and we'll go from there. But, you know, this is the time of year where it's my favorite time. It's very exciting. You know, everyone's starting from scratch with a clean slate, and this is when the team building begins. Absolutely. Absolutely. It's always an honor, and it's always a privilege to be able to discuss Patriots football, especially with guys like you and Murph, who I value not just as colleagues, not just as analysts, but most importantly as friends. And I can't think of a better way to be able to spend the mid to late summer

than talking Patriots football, getting ready for the fall and the anticipation of the Patriots taking the field against Miami in early September. So until next week, my friend, stay safe and well, and we look forward to talking more football with you here on Locked On Patriots next week. In the meantime, folks, definitely check out Steve, Murph, and Claire as they break down training camp on one pat's place, but definitely make sure to check Steve out next Tuesday right here on Locked On Patriots. Thanks again, my friend. Have a great week. Just like that, Patriots fans, we are almost halfway through your work week. But fear not, because there is tons more camp coverage still to come.

So, to ensure that you do not miss a single second of the action, download, subscribe to, and follow the Locked On Patriots podcast on platforms such as Spotify, the Odyssey app, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts, just make sure that you are staying locked in to Locked On Patriots. And because game action is coming at you sooner than you realize, betting on the NFL does not have to be a guessing game if you listen to the new Locked On Bets podcast hosted by your boy Q and handicapping expert Lee Sterling. Get daily picks, blowout specials, wrong team favorite picks, and Lee Sterling's lock of

the day. Follow the Locked On Bets podcast brought to you by betonline.ag wherever you get your podcasts. Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank my good friend Steve Balistrieri for his time, his insight, and his appearance on today's pod. But most of all, I thank you so much for listening and for continuing to make Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage.

Until next time, Foxborough faithful, stay safe, stay well, be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone. Just like that, Patriots fans, we are almost halfway through your work week. But fear not, because there is tons more camp coverage still to come.

So, to ensure that you do not miss a single second of the action, download, subscribe to, and follow the Locked On Patriots podcast on platforms such as Spotify, the Odyssey app, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts, just make sure that you are staying locked in to Locked On Patriots. And because game action is coming at you sooner than you realize, betting on the NFL does not have to be a guessing game if you listen to the new Locked On Bets podcast hosted by your boy Q and handicapping expert Lee Sterling.

Get daily picks, blowout specials, wrong team favorite picks, and Lee Sterling's lock of the day. Follow the Locked On Bets podcast brought to you by betonline.ag, wherever you get your podcasts. Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank my good friend Steve Balistrieri for his time, his insight, and his appearance on today's pod. But most of all, I thank you so much for listening and for continuing to make Locked On Patriots

a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage. Until next time, Foxborough faithful, stay safe, stay well, be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone.