On Wednesday morning, the Patriots held their first training camp practice of the 2021 season. It was also the first team event since the COVID-19 pandemic that fans were allowed to attend.
Perhaps it was the weather, or maybe the fact practice was on a Wednesday, but the usual fan stampede to the bleachers was slightly more subdued this year.
Mac Jones was one of the first players to take the field on Wednesday. He was joined by two other first-year Patriots in wide receiver Nelson Agholor and safety Adrian Colbert.
First players on the field for 2021 Patriots training camp…Nelson Agholor, Adrian Colbert, and Mac Jones pic.twitter.com/M6EwSIx9zv
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 28, 2021
Cam Newton joined him shortly after. Newton appeared to have a pep in his step as he made his first appearance in-person appearance in front of Patriots fans.
Cam Newton is here pic.twitter.com/r6yh9wS10X
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 28, 2021
It can be tougher to tell without defenders, but Jones’ ball placement appeared to be on point early on in practice.
Mac ➡️ KB pic.twitter.com/5sEuxNu4rq
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 28, 2021
Mac Jones makes a throw to N'Keal Harry in the corner of the end zone. Looked like Harry got his tootsies in. pic.twitter.com/6TwDRsP6s5
— Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff) July 28, 2021
He continued his success in team drills, as described by Matt Dolloff.
Mac Jones looked right for Kendrick Bourne and he was covered, then looked left and dropped it in the bucket to an open Nelson Agholor in a red zone drill. That was fun. #Patriots
— Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff) July 28, 2021
Cam Newton had his moment as well, and seemed right at home playing to the crowd.
Cam Newton scrambled for a touchdown then posed in front of the bleachers. Crowd went nuts.
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 28, 2021
Another clear fan favorite on Wednesday? Jakobi Meyers.
Jakobi Meyers got the biggest arrival applause of any non-QB. He’s quickly becoming a fan favorite.
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 28, 2021
When James White stepped to the podium after practice, he became the first member of the Patriots in over a year to take questions in person.
First in-person Patriots availability in a year, and it’s James White pic.twitter.com/EdCRp3Byyk
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 28, 2021
MORE: Day 1 Training Camp Notebook
Patriots 2021 Positional Previews: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Offensive Line | Defensive Line | Linebacker | Cornerback | Safety | Special Teams
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.