As the New England Patriots walked off of the practice fields on Wednesday morning, the words of Commander Mike ‘Viper’ Metcalf from 1986’s action classic Top Gun (well-articulated by actor Tom Skerrit) might seem quite relevant.
“Gentlemen…you had a helluva first day.”
At long last, the Patriots returned to practice, officially kicking off 2021 training camp. With fans in attendance, expectations high and excitement at a lofty level, New England began its journey towards a return to league prominence. While Wednesday's session was more of an extension of minicamp than simulation of game action, there were still some seedlings of potential camp battles to come.